Chef Roosevelt Parlor was born on November 29, 1919 in Valdosta, GA to the late John and Tazzae Parlor. He was the youngest of four siblings whom preceded him in death.
He was educated in the South Georgia and Florida school systems. He served in WWII worldwide with honarable discharge. While serving in the Army, he discovered his passion for food and in his innate ability to cook. He then continued on to get formal training in culinary arts.
Roosevelt later moved to Savannah, GA and married the former Ida Watson and from this union, nine children were born.
Still having a desire for cooking, Roosevelt worked several years as a butcher in the Savannah area. He later became a renown executive chef. He amplified his gift and creativity through fine hotels and restaurants such as: General Oglethrope, Savannah Yacht Club, Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Anna's Little Napoli, Savannah. He worked briefly in Jekyll and St. Simon's Island areas. He was employed by Port Royal Inn, Adventure Inn, Holiday Inn and Sea Pine Resorts, Hilton Head, SC.
His career in the food industry lasted over fifty-five years. Through his passion and professional style for cooking, he was known by all as "CHEF".
He later became a member of St. Paul CME Church where he attended faithfully until his health began to fail.
The last four years of his life was comforting, do in large part, to the excellent care he received from the staff of Ward 12-A at the Carl Vinson VA Hospital, Dublin, GA.
His kind, generous and loving demeanor will be truly missed by all.
He leaves to cherish his memories: wife-life long partner, Ida Watson Parlor; daughters, Brenda Solomon (Nathaniel), Savannah, GA, Regina Ellington (James), Fayetteville, GA, Lisa Campbell, Lilburn, GA, Rosalind Parlor, Tallahasse, FL, Suzette Kimbell (George), Perry, FL; sons, Horace Parlor (Naomi), Hilton Head, SC, James Parlor (Regenia), Dublin, GA, Cedric Parlor, Savannah, GA, Charles Parlor (Juanita), Wesley Chapel, FL, Anthony Parlor, Hilton Head, SC, Jeffery Parlor, Bonaire, GA, Roderick Parlor, Toledo, OH, Larry Middlebrooks, Plainsboro, NJ, Reginald Middlebrooks (Sunni), Augusta, GA; thirty-five plus grandchildren; thirty plus great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral Services for Mr. Roosevelt "Chef" Parlor will be held 12 Noon Saturday, July 9, 2011 at Saint Paul C.M.E Church, 1601 Barnard Street. Interment: Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Reposing at the Church Saturday 10 a.m., until hour of service.