Parr played for Holbrook Miners Welfare during his youth, as well as Little Eaton St Peter's, where he later became captain.
He signed amateur forms with Derby in December 1937,[1] not long before the outbreak of World War II.
[2] Parr was spotted by Derby while playing against them during a game for Holbrook, having just returned from a leg injury.
[2] Following the conclusion of the 1952–53 season, Parr left Derby to join Shrewsbury Town in July 1953, despite a late bid from West Bromwich Albion.
He later joined Burton Albion in June 1957, also then managed by Crooks, where he made six appearances in the first team before being released in November the same year.