Johnny Love Parker

Celebrating the Life of Johnny Love Parker February 20, 1943 - December 25, 2025 Johnny Love Parker entered this world on February 20, 1943, born at home in Bowling Green to Doyle and Helen "Sweet Pea" Parker. As a sixth-generation Floridian, the land and the cattle were in his blood. He grew up attending Bowling Green Elementary and Ft. Meade Senior High, but his real education happened after school, working the ranch and the groves alongside his brother, Jimmy. At just 18 years old, Johnny showed the industrious spirit that would define his life, purchasing the Standard Oil Gas Station on Main Street. He later transitioned to Nicholson Supply and eventually Manatee Boat Company. It was there, as a certified Mercury technician, that Johnny discovered his lifelong passion for fishing. This hobby would later become a metaphor for his ministry as a "fisher of men." In 1961, Johnny met the love of his life, Gayle Posey. They married in 1963 and shared 43 years of marriage and a son, Mark. In 1993, after walking through difficult seasons with their son Mark and his battle with addiction, Johnny and Gayle felt called to help those also struggling. They began ministering to individuals seeking recovery from drugs and alcohol, often welcoming them into their own home and helping them access treatment programs across Florida. This calling became the foundation of Caring People Ministries. In 1995, they were gifted the Peace Valley Camp Meeting property, which became the home for E.P.C.A. (Emptying the Prisons of the Chemically Addicted). Johnny was a tireless advocate, traveling to Tallahassee to fight for other recovery centers. Even after Gayle's passing in 2006, Johnny continued the mission with his son Mark. Over the years, thousands of lives were reclaimed, and hundreds were baptized by Johnny's hand in the Peace River and Lake June. In 2008, Johnny married his second wife, Donna Alderman. Together they lived in Lake Placid and were faithful members of Placid Lakes Baptist Church, where Johnny served as a deacon and on the church security team. Johnny and Donna enjoyed fishing on Lake June and traveling to Gaither concerts in the Smoky Mountains. Johnny was many things-a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend-but to thousands, he will forever be "Papa." A steady presence. A safe place. A man who believed in redemption and never gave up on people. His granddaughters Brenna and Starling were the apple of his eye, and he loved staying connected-calling, texting, watching football, tracking the weather, fishing, and yes, faithfully checking Life360 to make sure everyone he loved was safe. Obituary: Johnny Love Parker February 20, 1943 – December 25, 2025 Johnny Love Parker, 82, of Lake Placid (formerly of Bowling Green), passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025 after a lifetime of service to God and his community. A sixth-generation Floridian, Johnny was born in Bowling Green to Doyle and Helen "Sweet Pea" Parker. A true entrepreneur and cattleman, Johnny's early career spanned from owning a Standard Oil station to working with Parker Farms. However, his most enduring legacy began in 1993 when he and his late wife, Gayle, founded Caring People Ministries. Together, they transformed the Peace Valley Camp Meeting grounds into a sanctuary for recovery, helping thousands of men and women overcome addiction. Johnny was a "fisher of men" who personally baptized hundreds in the Peace River and Lake June. Even in semi-retirement, Johnny remained a devoted Deacon at Placid Lakes Baptist Church and continued his ministry work until his final days. He was a man of deep faith who loved fishing, football, and, above all, his family. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Helen "Sweet Pea" Parker, first wife, Gayle Posey Parker. He is survived by his wife, Donna Alderman Parker, his son, Mark Parker (Stephanie); foster daughter, Mary Perry, brother, Jimmy Parker, and sister, Kay Paris (Johnny). Granddaughters, Brenna and Starling Parker. He also leaves behind stepchildren, Glori and Morgan Wilson; three step-grandchildren, Heather Willis (William), Christina Hiler (Will), Dillon Skitka (Ashley), and many step great-grandchildren. Niece Suzzane Manley (Rocky), Nephews Greg Rauth (Deanne), Paul Paris (Sarina), Clay Parker (Julie), Mandy Cantu (Luke), Michael Paris and many great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 Visitation 10:00 am Service 11:00, Celebration of Life 12:00