Paul Richard Parker Sr.

Paul Richard Parker, 84, CPL USMC and SMSGT USAF, was born 17 June 1941 to Dempsey and Viola Parker in Bunker, Missouri and passed away 19 August 2025 surrounded by his family at his home in Lynn Haven, Florida.

Richard lived an extraordinary life full of achievement.

Growing up in the Ozark Mountains, he communed with nature and also became a gifted scholar and talented All-Star basketball player at Bunker High School.

At the age of 17, Richard joined the United States Marine Corps in 1959. In addition to his proficiency as a rifle sharpshooter, Richard's athletic and competitive nature earned him a spot on the USMC boxing team.

In 1965, Richard began a long and notable career in the United States Air Force beginning with serving in four campaigns during the Vietnam War. He then became a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Instructor after living with and learning jungle survival from a Negrito tribe in the Philippines. Richard then served as a Senior Parachutist, Aeromedical Superintendent, and finally as a Military Education Instructor at the NCO Academy at TAFB.

Richard's military decorations include the Airman's Medal, Meritorious Service Medal W/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Commendation Medal W/4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon W/1 Device, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, AF Longevity Service Ribbon W/4 Devices, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/4 Devices, AF Outstanding Unit Award W/6 Devices, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross W/Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal W/5 Devices, Basic Aircrew Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.

As evidence of his life long pursuit of knowledge, both academic and practical, Richard earned a BS degree from Florida State University after his retirement from the military and while he completed a second career of 13 years with the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed developing new skills and hobbies from fly fishing to painting, cooking, and flying an airplane. Richard also traveled around the United States and the world with his family.

Richard put his military survival skills to further use as a BSA Scoutmaster and made sure both his sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

His athleticism evolved in his middle age to running marathons from New York and Boston to Pikes Peak, as well as triathlons including the Gulf Coast Triathlon, the Inaugural Ironman Florida, and the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Although he was slowed down by Parkinson's, Richard continued to fill his days with activity and family life, including his support of FSU football.

A man of enduring faith, Richard's love of Jesus Christ was reflected in his love of family and respect for others.

While stationed at Camp Lejeune, Richard met a nursing student named Isa Lee Smith. Their marriage of over 62 years and their three children, is a testament to the blessings of love.

Richard is survived by his wife, Isa Lee (Smith) Parker, his children, Paul Richard Parker, Jr (Candace), Paula Renee Luther (Robert), and Troy Lee Parker (Elizabeth), his sister Dale Mars (Norman), his grandchildren, Kayleigh Luther, Robert Luther III (Bianca), James Luther (Jessica), Troy Lee Parker, Jr (Carmin), and Charlotte Parker, and his great-grandchildren, Ryan & Gavin Luther, Ava & Emily Despard, and Robert IV, Cruz, & Knox Luther, who will forever cherish his memory.

Richard will be laid to rest at 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 5, 2025 at Tallahassee National Cemetery in Tallahassee, Florida with military honors.

Eternal rest grant unto Richard, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.