PARKER, Larry (William Laurens), 60, native of Danville, Virginia, was born on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950. He completed his life's journey Tuesday, July 6, 2010 after being stung by a bee on the Fourth of July. He was enjoying a swim while visiting friends on the Eastern Shore at the time. Larry was a longtime resident of Richmond, Virginia. He began studies for his Bachelor of Arts in interior design at VCU in 1974. His previous degree was a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Roanoke College in 1972. While taking classes at VCU, he worked at Wicker and Wood. Later on, he established a wallpaper design business, J.F. Parker & Sons, using the 1902 letterhead of his grandfather's company in Danville. He was an associate with Robert Rentz Interiors of Richmond since 2000. Larry is survived by his sister, Margaret, and his mother, Peyton H. Parker, both of Danville. He was preceded in passing by his father, William H. Parker Jr. Larry thoroughly enjoyed all his Richmond years living in historic Church Hill. He freely delighted his many friends and clients not only with his interior design advice and direction but with his inspiring flower arrangements. He was an avid cross-country skier, loved the outdoors, and boating and water sports in particular. At his request, his ashes will be spread into the James River this coming Sunday at 4 p.m. on Eppes Island, just past Shirley Plantation. All his friends are invited to attend and bring a dish and libation of choice. Simply follow official Shirley Plantation signs from Route 5, 25 minutes south from Richmond, or google "Shirley Plantation Road" for directions. Balloons will lead the way. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Church Hill Planters, a green space group. Make checks payable to Church Hill Association, 2718 East Franklin Street, Richmond, 23233. Arrangements have been made by the Townes Funeral Home of Danville.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
