John Parker Williams

July 20, 1937 - January 3, 2022 Parker Williams died January 3, 2022, in Pasadena, California. He will be profoundly missed by family and friends.
Parker attended St. Therese Grammar School and Mission High School where the nuns were unable to quell his rebellious spirit. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, in 1954 and they enjoyed 67+ years together. He leaves behind his original and only wife Barbara, his 3 daughters, Molly, Jeannie and Lisa, son-in-law Mike, 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren (plus 2 on the way), his dear brother Barry and wife Kay, numerous extended family members including his brother-in-law Pete and wife Lisa, and several lifelong friends, as far back as first grade.
One of Parker's first jobs as a married man was at Moore Business Forms in Oakland running the printing press. During break one day, when he was able to flip his cigarette and have it land on end, burning side up, he realized if that was the best part of the day, maybe it was time to move on to a new career. He was then accepted into the police department but was too young (only 20) to start at the academy. Needing to support his family, he went to work as a stockbroker. He received an MBA from Pepperdine and became an independent businessman, originally opening his own scrap metal business and later working in business development for local banks, businesses, and cities.
Parker was a devout patriot and loved the USA. This led him into the field of politics in Alhambra where he served as councilman, mayor, and school board member for 24 years.
Parker's passion was health and fitness. He had indefatigable energy and ran many marathons before transitioning to cycling. He was a time trial extraordinaire and the California state time trial champion in his age group many times. In addition to pursuing his own personal fitness goals, Parker was a coach. He coached family, friends, and the Alhambra High School cross country team. He was generous with his time and knowledge, and his insight was invaluable.
Parker loved sharing experiences. He had a great sense of humor, sharp wit, excellent memory and told wonderful stories, to the delight of his listeners. He was always one to say what he really thought and never minced words. Parker was fiercely loyal and a man with a heart of gold who would do anything for those he cared about.
We are saddened having to say farewell to a great husband, father, brother, friend, and coach. To say "he will be missed" is an understatement.