Ivy Ray Parker

Ivy Ray Parker obituary, Rutherford, TN

Ivy Ray Parker

Ivy Parker Obituary

Visit the Karnes & Son Funeral Home - Rutherford website to view the full obituary.

Ivy Ray Parker of Kenton entered Heaven to enjoy his eternal home with Jesus, March 28, 2024. Funeral services will be conducted in the Rutherford chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home, Monday, April 1, 2024, at 3PM. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Dyersburg, TN.

Ray started work as a young teen on Finley Road in Dyersburg, driving a tractor for his lifetime friends, the late Jack & Martha Clark. His 50 years of dedicated work included construction, farming and 24 years of service to Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Union City. Ray and his late wife, Barbara Anderson, settled in Kenton and were married 33 years. Barbara passed November 1992.

In 1993, Ray married his second wife, Beverly. They were blessed with 30 years of marriage. Ray retired from Goodyear, June of 2000. His time in retirement was filled with family, church, carpentry, farming, gardening, and travel. He loved New Concord Baptist Church, holding many offices and serving as an active member. Ray was also a member of the Kenton Masonic Lodge.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; children, Kenny (Karen) Parker, Joel (Angela) Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Jayce Holman, Jason Thomas, and Candie Thomas. Loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren cherish ‘Papa’s’ memory.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Perry & Birdie Parker; sisters, Blondell Hargrove, Ruby Alexander; brother, Raymond Parker; daughters, Demetria Parker, Marcia Mann; sons, Ewell Anderson, Gerald ‘Corky’ Thomas; and precious granddaughter, Emily-Kate Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Obion County Fair Association (PO Box 126, Union City, TN 38281), one of Ray’s greatest joys was working at the gate every summer at the fairgrounds with late friend, EC Eddings. He always saw many old friends and made new friends.

This loving kind good man will be missed.

The family will receive friends, Monday, April 1, 2024, from 11AM until time of service, at the Rutherford chapel.

Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Ivy Ray Parker.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Karnes & Son Funeral Home - Rutherford

669 S. Trenton St., Rutherford, TN 38369

Make a Donation
in Ivy Parker's name

How to support Ivy's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ivy Parker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more