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RICHARD PARKER Obituary
Richard E. Parker, passed away on July 2, 2016 at Shands of Gainesville, Florida with his wife and daughter Dee Dee at his side. A Gainesville native and graduate of Florida A & M College (University). Mr. Parker was well known for his musical talent. He directed bands at both A.L. Mebane and Eastside High School. He directed choirs at several local Churches and entertained thousands throughout the state.
Mr. Parker is survived by: his wife Mildred M. Parker, Gainesville, FL, two daughters Glenda R.P. Davis (Lester D.) Alachua, FL. Dee Dee Tellis, Jacksonville, FL, one brother, Leaman C. Parker, Jr. Gainesville, FL, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one nephew.
Funeral Services for Mr. Parker will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 8, 2016 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church with Rev. DR. Geraldine W. McClellan, officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Meadows East Memorial Park, with Military Honors. In lieu of Flowers, contributions in his honor may be made to a state or National Parkinson's Foundation or a charity of your choice. Visitation Thursday, July 7, 2016 from 12:00 Noon until 7:00 PM at Chestnut Memorial Chapel, and on Friday at Mt. Pleasant Church one hour before the service.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Chestnut Funeral Home 18 N.W. 8th Ave Gainesville, FL. The cortege will form at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Parker 2306 N.E. 8th Ave Gainesville, FL at 10:15 AM.
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Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD PARKER
Sherry DuPree
September 3, 2016
My condolences to Mrs. Mildred Parker and family for the lost of Mr. Richard Parker, a dedicated teacher. His great musical talents will be missed.
Sallie Roberts
July 16, 2016
To the Parker family,
May the love of God Comfort you now and forever. I enjoyed the classmate days with Richard. My name was Sallie Young at that time. Much love and blessings
Sallie Roberts
Jacquelyn Williams-Battest
July 16, 2016
To the Parker Family, my condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with you. Mr. Parker was one of the "greatest" musicians I've had the pleasure to know. His vision, gift for music, talent, and leadership was second to none. He took the EHS Band to higher heights, with much entertainment. May you also cherish the love and fond memories of Mr. Parker. Gone but never Forgotten!
Judy Parker
July 13, 2016
Another wonderful teacher RIP and enjoyed the Mighty Ram Band because of you Class of 1982.
Michael Roberts
July 11, 2016
Mrs. Parker and Family;
The bond your shared with your husband/father doesn't end with death. The lessons you've learned, the memories you're shared, and the love the two of you had for each other lives on. Through all the years to come, your husband/father will be there by your side whenever you share a story about the times you spent together. May that thought bring you comfort
HARRY GORDON
July 9, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Robert Wright
July 9, 2016
Thank you for writing music, directing formations in the heat, and marching us to be the best high school in the state. Life lessons and memories I will pass to my kids. Greatest respect to you and your family.
Richard Johnson
July 9, 2016
To a man who taught us all the meaning of Unity and Dedication. Thank You for the life lessons. We Love and will always miss YOU. Take your rest........ Richard " High Pockets" Johnson class of 1983
July 8, 2016
May God bless the Parker family in this time of sorrow. The Parker family is in my thoughts and prayers. What a great teacher and educator. Mr. Parker had a huge impact on my life. He thought all of us to be proud of who we were and to take ownership of our product. And that we did. All of us band members were his extended family. I truly felt that he loved each and ever one of us equally. To this day, I'm proud to say that I was a member of the Eastside High School Marching Band and was a student of Richard Parker. Mr. Parker is a legend and will be missed.
Band member 81'-85'
Larry Malphurs
Gloria (Howell) Jacobs
July 8, 2016
I extend my deepest sympathy to the Parker Family. Mr. Parker was one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever known. I was one of the marching Hornets that never would have been able to participate in band because of the distance we lived from the school in Alachua. Thanks for the rides and the memories in the "Volkswagen Van"; thank you for caring for us.
Tom Rayburn
July 8, 2016
Repeating what I posted on Facebook, Mr. Parker helped write the soundtrack of our lives. I was a EHS Class of 74 grad and still remember to this day how he helped develop a sense of identity for a new school that sorely needed his touch. RIP Mr. Parker.
Diana Holder
July 8, 2016
Mr. Parker was a great band director at EHS and mentor to many students. I learned much from him. He will be missed by many. May God give you peace during this time. Warmly, Diana "Poteet" Holder.
Jennifer McCrea Godshalk
July 8, 2016
Today we mourned the loss of Mr. Richard E. Parker and remembered him as well. A lot of us knew him as our band director, one who took a ragtag bunch of young kids and turned us into a lean, mean marching band. Out of the "court ordered desegregation of Alachua County schools," the creation of Eastside High School, and the social storm that was swirling with us caught in the middle, he took us kids, black and white, and molded us and created a miracle. One of his many talents was to improvise music to fit all our various levels so we could all participate and belong to something bigger than us. For me, he fulfilled a father's role when I needed it, guiding me through a tough spot in life. He had the ability to tell you the truth, what people and life were really like, improvising it so as not to crush your dreams or idealism, in order to steer you in the right direction. I'm remain forever grateful, Mr. Parker.
Charlene Kelly & Regina Williams
July 8, 2016
Deepest Sympathy, his leadership of our EHS band made a lot of us who we are today. Thank you Mr. Parker for many wonderful memories of pep rallies, football games and concerts...Former EHS student (Class of 1975 & 76)
Belinda Godwin
July 8, 2016
We have lost a great musical talent. Mr. Parker was an amazing band director. He play the organ for my wedding back in 1975. We enjoyed weekend nights, listening to him play at venues around Gainesville, back in the day. Our heart goes out to his loving family. May God bless you and keep you. May your sweet memories carry you always. Class of 1974 EHS.
Mark Sunderland
July 8, 2016
He was an inspiration. I'll never forget him. And I owe my career in music to his influence. He taught me so much about what it means to be a musician. Things that still serve me to this day. He never wanted to hear the notes. He only wanted to hear the music. He built something great at Eastside High School because he was dedicated to the music, and he did all he could to pull it out of us. He demanded focus and musicianship out of everyone in that band room everyday. And an entire community heard it every weekend. The Mighty Eastside Marching Ram Band was special because Mr. Parker made sure it was. He was strict. But he was also kind. And most of all, he was talented.
For those of us who were there during the decades he was director, we know now how special all of those Ram Bands were. We can remember the excitement around the shows. The parades. The pep rallies. The marching. The company fronts. The pinwheels. The precision. And of course, all of those moments when the crowds went crazy, those singular points in time when people realized, The Rams were about to break it down. We knew it. They knew it. And Mr. Parker most certainly knew it. I can still hear his voice booming through the speakers at Citizen's Field. "The incomparable, the ever wonder full, the legendary, Mighty Eastside Rams. Rams, you're on."
All of us, the parents, the students, and the bands that brought them together, are all going to miss the incomparable, the ever wonderful, the legendary, Mr. Parker.
Walter Daniels Sr.
July 8, 2016
It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High. To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, Lord hast made me glad through thy work. I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Richard Parker known to so many as "Mystro" was a legend and a true gem to all that were blessed to know him. I thank God for allowing me to know the man. He has inspired and set examples of great leadership, and paths to follow. To God Be the Gory Forever and Ever More. Rest in Peace my friend and more so my brother in Christ Jesus.
Charles S. (Steve) Deaux
July 8, 2016
We add our deepest sympathy and prayers for the family of Mr. Parker. We were in the original group of students at Eastside and he helped us find our identity and take pride in ourselves. He helped so many students achieve and become better citizens. He is, as a friend and classmate has said, one of the faces on the "Mount Rushmore of Eastside High School." And we look forward with confidence, that we will see him, and join with him in that heavenly band some fine day. God bless you all.
Steve & Becky Deaux
EHS '74 & '76
Debbie Bradshaw Muga
July 8, 2016
Thank you, Mr. Parker, for the great memories of being a part of your band. You touched so many and we are all forever grateful. Proud to have been a majorette in the Mighty Ram Band!
Sarah Grimmage
July 8, 2016
The best band director I know. You will be missed. RIP Mr. Parker
Sherrie Jenkins
July 8, 2016
My sympathy to the Parker family. Mr. Parker touched the lives of so many students and helped to guide many to be better people for having known him. I was in the "Mighty Rams Marching Band" from 1974 to 1976 and even now, when I reflect on my time at EHS, I remember his dedication to his students. He always strived to show us to be the very best we could be. He taught us to work together to achieve great things. May God grant him a special place in his heavenly band.
Mebane Class of 1968 Head Majorette & Clarinet
Patricia Jenkins Wheeler Lee
July 8, 2016
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Mr. Parker; the greatest band director at A. L. Mebane High School. You taught us pride and commitment to quality. You made us the best because you are the best. With fond memories, I wish you Godspeed.
Barbara Ann Jones Smith
July 8, 2016
Mrs. Parker deepest sympathy to you and the family.I reflect back on the days when both of you Teachers at Dear A. L. Mebane. You as the Librarian and he the band director.I was acheerleader and we had a dance routine when the band played Malboro Country what a band!!!Assembly in the auditorium when he and Detriot Willams (chourus director)would play Piano and Mr.Parker on organ would sing WHAT A FRIEND. AWESOME!!!
Rev. Kenneth and Susan Jackson McClellan
July 7, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the family of the late Mr.Richard Parker. We are thankful to have had him as our band director while we were students at Eastside High.
Rev. Kennth and Susan Jackson McClellan
July 7, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the family of the late Mr. Richard Parker. We are thankful to have had him as the band director while we were both students at Eastside High.
Detroit & Bettye Stoney Allen
July 7, 2016
To the Parker family our condolences to you in the loss of Richard. He grew up on NW 5th Ave and I(Bettye) grew up on NW 6th Ave. "...When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is Higher than I..." Psalm 61:2
Moody Williams
July 7, 2016
Thank You Mr. Parker for your years of service to many students at Eastside High.
You allowed many of us to be able to put on a show for many all over the state of Florida.
I really want to Thank You for giving me the opportunity to apart of a wonderful band family, and more so become one of your Drum Majors, Thank You for believing in me.
Moody Williams 82-86
Drum Major - Percussion
Drum Major - Drumline - Feature Film
Muriel (Vaughn) McCullars
July 7, 2016
May The Lord Bless You and Your Family at this difficult time!! Mr. Parker was a force of protection, kindness and love for His Students!!
Muriel McCullars
July 7, 2016
Mr. Parker you were a friend, inspiriration push until we didn't think we could do it anymore!! You demanded protection and outlive for music and we achieved. Thank You for making us even better! Love You Mr. Richard Parker Thank You for all the memories!!! Love You Dearly!!
Dora Lundy
July 7, 2016
Deepest Sympathy, his leadership of our EHS band made for many wonderful memories of pep rallies, football games and concerts...
Former EHS student (Class of 82/83)
Sherrel Brockington
July 7, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Parker and family. It was a pleasure working with Mr. Parker he was a very talented musician and a great man. He will be missed by all he taught and directed. To God Be the Glory.
Deborah Wilson
July 7, 2016
Parker Family, Words can't be made to express a man like Mr. Parker. He had a love for music and didn't mind sharing it. He was a band director, entertainer and played for several churches mainly MPUMC. He will be missed by many. My prayers go out to the family asking God to give you the strength to carry on, the hardest part is over just hold on to Gods unchanging hand.
Terecina Wingate
July 7, 2016
"Therefore my harp is turned to mourning, And my flute to the sound of those who weep -Job 30:31". Mr. Parker a great band director, teacher, musician and Man of God. I have wonderful moments and memories being a member of EHS Marching Band(1976-80). My sincere condolences to the Parker family.
Monica Williams
July 7, 2016
Attend Eastside,and played with the Mighty Rams from1972-75,Mr.Parker taught me music,so thank you.Took me places that I would not have gone,if I wasn't in the band.So thanks Mr. Richard Parker.When I became older,I moved right across the street from him with my 4 kids.(8th Ave)
Bruce & Sharon Presley
July 7, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. "THE MIGHTY RAMS MARCHING BAND"
Synester Jones
July 7, 2016
Dear Parker Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Cindy Hedgcoth
July 7, 2016
I attended EHS while Mr Parker was the band director, I will always remember the best band during my years at EHS, you will be missed Mr Parker.
Valarie Brown
July 7, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Leslie Easom
July 7, 2016
Some of my fondest memories are being part of the EHS Marching Band (1980-81) under Mr. Parker's direction. He touched so many lives, rest in peace Mr. Parker (Daddy Head). Condolences to his family and loved ones.
Ellinor (Sims) Jenkins
July 7, 2016
Dear Parker Family, we are so sorry to the loss of your love one. May God continue to blessed you and comfort you during this time. Mr. Parker will be truly missed by all.
The Dunbar,Sims,Palmore, and Nattiel families
Ross Brothers Family
July 7, 2016
Our Thoughts and Prayers to The Parker Family. Awesome Music Teacher. R.I.P. Mr. Parker.
Nat Hadsock
July 7, 2016
A righteous, kind, generous and gentle man who never met a stranger. With all our Love, Nat, Katie and Melissa.
Marilyn Watson- Tucker
July 7, 2016
Mrs Parker and Family. May the Peace of Our Father substain you Just know that Our Father will see you through Trust in the Lord he knows and he Cares Mr Parker was a Good MAN! Caring and Sharing He was like a Father to Many of us I Thank you all for sharing him with us he touched so many majorette Eastside Band He's now Directing in The Heavenly Choir Farwell
ERNESTINE DORSEY
July 7, 2016
HEARTFELT
Tony Jones
July 7, 2016
A most talented man, who placed Eastside High School Band on the map in our community.
Tony Jones
July 7, 2016
a great man who put Eastside Band on the map
Kevin Blackburn
July 7, 2016
One of the nicest people I've known and a talented musician.
Deana Williams
July 7, 2016
To the family of Mr. Parker: Thank you for allowing him to give so much of himself musically to so many. I had the pleasure of attending Eastside High School and witnessing his musical genius through pep rallies, games, and parades. He and the many bands he was allowed to direct at Eastside was the reason that most people went to the parades during his tenure. He will never be forgotten. His name is synonymous with the Mighty Ram Marching Band. A life that touched thousands, yet he remained humble. May God grant you all immeasurable peace at this time and in the days to come. Be blessed now and always.
Tara Legree
July 7, 2016
Mr. RAM JAM himself, was the "baddest" high school band director ever!! Rest peacefully Mr. Parker. My condolences to the family.
July 7, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of this talented man. We have many great memories of him during band trips while he was at EHS.
The Sunderland's
Mitch Mallard
July 7, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of this man's passing. May God's love help his family through this painful time.
Robin Vinson-Brown
July 7, 2016
RIP Mr. Parker, never to be forget!! Eastside High School Marching Band 1979-1981 "Ram Jam"
Barbara Henry, Ph.D.
July 7, 2016
To the Parker family,
May God continue to be with you during this challenging time and times to come. Mr. Parker was a special servant of God!
Lynn Sanford
July 7, 2016
God just gained a GREAT band director. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Sanford
Priscilla Robinson Lewis
July 7, 2016
My condolences to Mrs. Parker, Glenda, and the entire family on the loss of Mr. Parker. I knew him as a little girl, he was my band teacher at A. L. Mebane, and he was the musician for our wedding on June 18, 1977. Losing a love one is never easy; but I know from experience that prayer and faith will get you through each day. Hold to GOD's unchanging hands.
Nathaniel and Ruth Strawder
July 7, 2016
You have our deepest sympathy.
Warren Mcdonell
July 7, 2016
RIP Mr. Parker. I know you were hard on me. However, you were making me strive to my true potential. The band during those days was a pillar of pride at EHS as well as the pride of southeast Gainesville. I will say you were responsible for creating many leaders where there would not have been otherwise. You will be missed. Thank you for everythung
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