Parley Vernon Winger, age 75, of Athens Georgia, passed away on September 13, 2017.
Parley was born in Driggs, Idaho, on December 11, 1941, to Vernon Winger and Doris Rammell Winger. He grew up in the Teton Valley and graduated from Teton High School in 1960. He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Idaho State University and earned a Ph.D. in zoology from Brigham Young University in 1968. He met his wife, Alexis, while attending Idaho State University and they were married in 1967.
After graduating, Parley went to work for Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. In 1978, he moved to Athens, Georgia to work as research station leader for the US Fish and Wildlife service and US Geological Survey based at the University of Georgia. He retired in 2007 and became active in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), where he enjoyed making friends, taking classes, and traveling with the geology special interest group.
Parley enjoyed the outdoors and nature, fishing, playing golf, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family. He loved continuing to learn about trees, rocks, and insects.
He is predeceased by his parents, brothers, Gaydon and Gerry Winger, and nephew, Trent Thompson.
Parley is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Alexis, his children Shane (Emily) Winger and Amanda (Rodrigo) Saurin, grandchildren Griffin and Simone Winger, sister Sally (Doug) Rasmussen, brother John Winger, and a large extended family.
The visitation will be held at Lord and Stephens East Funeral Home, 4355 Lexington Rd, Athens, Georgia 30605 on Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Monday, September 18, 2017, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences for the family may be offered online at the Lord and Stephens’ website. www.lordandstephens.com
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