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Bobby Parker Obituary
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Bobby Gene Parker, Sr., 81, passed away on Wednesday morning, October 29, 2014 at his home after battling several months of complications with cancer.
Bobby grew up in Newton County, Mississippi and was the son of the late Fred Parker and Inez Gordy Parker. He attended schools in Mississippi and, upon graduation, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After serving his country, Bobby relocated to Detroit, Michigan where he was employed with the U.S. Rubber Company for several years. He then attended the Police Academy and was a decorated member of the Detroit Police Department for 17 years. While serving on the police force, he attended Wayne State University. Bobby moved to Greenville in 1970 to enter into the retail grocery business and founded Parkersway Food. He served on the advisory board for Travelers Rest Bank and on the board of trustees at Associated Grocers Inc. A member of Northgate Baptist Church, he served as a Deacon and was a member of the Brian Whitmier Class. He was also a lifetime member of the Walden Masonic Lodge #274.
He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Jessie Gosnell Parker, who cared for him so diligently. He loved all of his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was so proud of all their accomplishments. He made ever so many friends and was very devoted to his church family.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Bobby G. Parker, Jr. and Richard Dunbar Parker (Debbie); a daughter, Christy Parker Johnson (Andy); a sister, Dr. Johnnie Cleo Parker; three stepchildren Richard Stevens, Jan Jarvis (Brian) and Kim Stevens (Bruce); five grandchildren, Jessie Kelly (Chris), Bobby G. "Trace" Parker III ( Amanda), Dr. Austa Marie Parker, Weston Parker, Warner Parker; two step grandchildren, Kristin Cirelli Moseley (Wes) and Ashley Cirelli; and several great-grandchildren along with nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Austa Wilson Parker; a daughter, Linda Parker-Vitale; a brother, Fred Parker (Martha); and a step-daughter, Pam Cirelli (Tony).
Funeral Services will be 2:30 P.M. Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Northgate Baptist Church, 633 Summit Drive, Greenville, SC 29606, with the Reverends Dr. Barry Jimmerson and Dr. Robert Whaley officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall from 12:00 P.M. until 2:15 P.M. Saturday, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northgate Baptist Church, 633 Summit Drive, Greenville, SC 29609.
The Mackey Mortuary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bobby Parker
Jenny Boling
January 9, 2015
Bob was such a sweetheart. He was always interested in his clients (friends) and always kind and complimentary. I just realized today that he is no longer with us. He was such a great man. Christy, you and yours were very fortunate to have him in your lives. He was an example to all he met, of how to live. God bless all of you. Jenny and Mike Boling
The Rookard Family
November 30, 2014
With sincere sympathy in the passing of your loved one, he will truly be missed by the community. He was a trusting and devoted friend to all that knew him. Our prayers are with you that God will continue to keep you during this time of bereavement.
Bobby Parker Jr
November 4, 2014
I was searching google for my own name when I came across this,
at first I thought it was for my dad
so I went to it and found your page and wanted to say so sorry for your lost to the Parker family
Bobby Gene Parker Jr
Jenna Nevin
November 4, 2014
To the entire Parker family, I know there are no words to comfort you at this time....I loved your Dad as he was like a second father to me. His laughter, smile and words of wisdom will stay with me forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Just remember he's in heaven, in Gods arms and is pain-free. One day we will see him again... Until then like God, he is always with you....know he watches over you and God has blessed you with special graces into each one of your hearts.
Renee Clark
November 3, 2014
Oh, how we will miss our Bob! He loved his family so, so much and was very proud of them all!! We love our Parker cousins!!
Constantine (Tikie) Christophillis
November 3, 2014
To Bobby Jr. and family,
Catherine and I were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of your father. We remember him going back to the original store on Rutherford when I would bring my mother to shop there. Your Dad was always very kind and easy-going and a pleasure to be around. Our family had the utmost respect for him. We know that you have many memory you will always cherish and we pray that the Lord will rest his soul and bless and comfort you and your entire family.
Robbie and Darlene Smith
November 2, 2014
Bobby and all. Sorry to hear of Bob Parker's passing. He was a good friend of my parents, Floyd and Marywhite Smith for many years. My prayer is that God's comfort and grace will be with you through this time.
November 2, 2014
To the Parker children,
Your dad, and you, were such dear friends to our family for so many years, we will definitely miss his presence. Just know that he meant so much, to so many, for so long, should give you some solace.
Bob was a very special man and a dear friend.
Hulda & Macki
November 1, 2014
Richard, we send our deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father.
Anne, Vicki & Chuck
Bridget Nevin
November 1, 2014
Mr Parker is with the Lord and he is celebrating like its Christmas...that is what I thought when I saw the snowflakes coming down this morning.
His love is ever present and with a twinkle in his eye he is smiling saying be happy for me because I am in paradise. He is watching over his loved ones today holding their hands.
He love his friends and his family and he is so proud of them all.
Today is a selfishly sad day for us who won't be able to see him or stop by to hear a story or spend time with, but we can feel his love close to our hearts. God bless him and all his fxmily and friends. He will truly be missed.
Heaven gained a wonderful angel, he will be missed greatly.
Brenda Stewart
October 31, 2014
The Parker Family- Jesse, Bobby, Dickie and Christie - Mr Parker has always been someone I looked up to and admired all my life since moving to Avondale Dr. I never came home without stopping in to see him. He was always smiling and making us feel at home. He will always be with us and in my heart forever. Prayers for peace in his going to heaven. With much love to you all.
October 31, 2014
May God give the family peace and comfort,as only he can,praying
October 31, 2014
Christy & Andy, We are very sad to hear about the passing of
your Dad. Our prayers are with you & your family in this time of sorrow. We love you; Donna & Stan Quinn
Cindy Dillard & Rob Chiles
October 31, 2014
May the memories you hold in your heart bring healing and peace to your soul. Our prayers are with you all.
Randy Ellenburg
October 31, 2014
Dear Christy,Bob and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. What a joy it was to go into the store to see him. He made everyone feel so welcomed. He taught me how to make his Chili. He will be missed. What he must be seeing now no more pain in Heaven with our Father.
Darlene Byrne
October 31, 2014
Christy and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Deane Skelton
October 31, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for all the family.
October 31, 2014
MR PARKER AND HIS LOVELY FAMILY HAVE BEEN MY FRIENDS AND THE FRIENDS OF THE EMPLOYEES OF PAPER CUTTERS INC, SINCE 1981. WE HAVE SHARED MANY YEARS TOGETHER EATING AND SHOPPING AT PARKERSWAY GROCERY. I HAVE SUCH FOND, FOND MEMORIES OF EACH OF THE CHILDREN AND JESSIE. WE ALL LOVED MR PARKER AND ALL OF YOU HIS LOVING FAMILY. I ALSO HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF THE MOTHER OF THE CHILDREN. SHE WAS ALWAYS VERY KIND TO ME AND TO OUR EMPLOYEES. WE LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH.
RANDY MATHENA AND ALL OF THE PAPER CUTTERS
October 31, 2014
Christy and family, your dad was one special Southern gentleman and us Leonards will never forget his kindnesses to us...especially the melt in your mouth smoked ham...know that we are praying for you at this time and may God comfort you as only He can. Fran Leonard Browning
Dean Waters
October 31, 2014
God has blessed us with Mr. Parker. He was like a grandfather to all of our boys who worked for him at the store. Benjamin, Patrick, Bradley, Pam and I Loved him so much! He will always be a part of our life and family and we are better for it. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jessie and all of the family. The Waters
October 31, 2014
Jesse and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
God Bless, Dannette Hightower Greene
Timberly Pike
October 31, 2014
In the 23 yrs since I moved away, there was never a time that I went home to visit that I didn't go see Mr. Parker. Going home will never be the same again...Love you Parker Family and miss you Mr. Parker.
Sarah Cook
October 31, 2014
With prayers and heartfelt sympathy for you all. It is difficult to lose someone so dear. May his faith and yours be of great comfort to you.
October 31, 2014
Praying for you all. Larry and Betsy Gaunt
Sandra and Tracey Cole
October 31, 2014
Christy and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are very sorry for your loss.
Ricky & Judy Clifford
October 30, 2014
We have all the family in our prayers. Bobby had such a personality that everybody loved. You could feel his sincere interest when he was talking to you and his concern and caring feelings made you know he really cared.. He loved his family, especially Jessie and Christy, and was proud of all of them. Our prayers are with all of you at this time.
October 30, 2014
Such a gentle man, always a kind word and big smile for everyone he came in contact with. Praying for all the family!
Lois Bryant
Nadine Chasteen
October 30, 2014
Jessie, my deepest sympathy to you and all your family for your loss. It was indeed a pleasure to know Bob. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May our Lord comfort you during this time of sadness. Love you!
Layne Winchester
October 30, 2014
Our community suffered a great loss at the passing of Mr Bob Parker. Parkersway Foods was a mainstay in the Greenville area for over 30 years...and those of us who knew Bob Parker will remember his kindness, generosity, and smile each and every tine we passed through the door! He was a great man, and we will all miss him very much! Rest in peace, Mr. P!!!!! ;)
Amy & Family Rodgers
October 30, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of this sad news. I know he was deeply loved by his family and will be missed. Our prayers of comfort are with you.
Margy Foody
October 30, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go to the Parker family. Mr. Parker was a very sweet man and always seemed to have a smile on his face. He loved his family and will be missed by many.
Patty Weathers
October 30, 2014
Christy & Family, I am so sorry for your loss, I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
October 30, 2014
Just wanted you to know how special Mr. Parker was to our family. He was such a great man! Our prayers are with you Christy, Andy and the rest of your family. We love you guys. Carol, Taylor And Megan Griffin
October 30, 2014
Christy , oh I am so very sorry !!! I know ur heartache so well ! I know it was just a few weeks ago that u stood in houser shoes and shared our feelings about ur dad and my mom ...... Never imagining that mom would pass on oct 22 and ur dad oct 29 ...my deepest prayers and sympathy are w u and ur family !!! I love u !! May God give u strength to go on ..... Love Pam stevens
Debbie Cox
October 30, 2014
May God bless all of you at this time. Your dad was a special man and he never met a stanger. I will miss himNot to many people got to call me Deb but him and my dad. His smile always greeted you when you came in the store.
October 30, 2014
Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time of loss for your family. Mr Parker was an icon in the community.
Monica Dacus Killen
October 30, 2014
We love Mr. Parker. He was awesome and will be dearly missed! Many prayers to the family during this time.
October 30, 2014
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of you at this time. Bob was a blessing to all who met him!
Judy Isler
Marc & Debbie McCauley
October 30, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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