Richard Thomas Parker Sr.

Richard Thomas Parker, Sr., age 76, of Middleburg, Florida passed away on September 10, 2025. Richard was born in Tallahassee, Florida on March 15, 1949, to the late Murrell Harvey Parker and Gaetana "Kay" Ferraro Parker. He was raised in Tallahassee and graduated from Leon High School in 1967. From a young age, Richard was always patriotic and knew the value of family and country. A few months after school, Richard answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the course of a distinguished 21-year military career, Richard served in the Vietnam War, completed numerous tours both across the United States and overseas, and retired as a Chief Petty Officer Engineman. His service was marked by dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow sailors. On September 13, 1969, Richard married his best friend and forever companion, Shelley Hyatt. They were blessed with 56 amazing years together, 4 precious children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter and enduring friendship. Following his military retirement in 1989, Richard served as a maintenance technician for nearly 20 years at Bank of America. He retired in 2011 and continued owning and operating Parker Services, an HVAC repair business he began in the early 1990's. He was passionate about helping others and this venture allowed him the opportunity to serve countless families and businesses throughout the years. More than anything, Richard cherished his role as a Papa. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren, delighting in storytelling and words of wisdom. His stories will be treasured for generations. Richard was truly amazing and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeffrey Parker, Sr.; half-brothers, Johnny Parker and Ronnie Parker; and grandson, Mathew Holbrook.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Shelley Hyatt Parker of Middleburg, FL; children, Richard Thomas (Catherine) Parker, Jr. of Piscataway, NJ, Pamela (Timothy) Holbrook of Middleburg, FL, and Scott (Chad Clatterbaugh) Parker of Atlanta, GA; brother, Ken Parker of Georgia; sister, Karen (Donald) Vauhgn of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren, Abigail Parker, Kent Parker, Ashley (Alex) Harner, Jonathan Parker, James (Katey) Parker, Jeffrey Parker, Jr., Stephen Parker, Nicholas Parker, Zoe Clatterbaugh and Ava Clatterbaugh; great grandchildren, Matthew Parker, Isabella Parker, Gabby Parker, and James Parker, Jr.; along with several extended family members and friends that Richard cherished.

A Graveside Celebration of Richard's Life will be held Monday, September 15, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Ferreira Funeral Services Chaffee Road Chapel. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services, 1320 Chaffee Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32221, 904-378-7777. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family's guest book.