Roy Parker

Roy Parker, age 70 of Campbranch passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends in the early morning hours of Thursday July 10, 2025.

Roy was born on August 19, 1954 in Elba, Alabama to Sarah and Owen Parker; one of six children. Even though the deep south held his beginnings; these mountains of Appalachia would become his home and establish his legacy that will love on through the ages.

1973 would give Roy one of his biggest blessings; his wife of 52 years Kathy (Begley). After Roy's brother, Shorty, married Kathy's sister, Lene, it was simply meant to be that these two find love. This loving union was blessed with two children, Owen and Keela, who whether by looks or mannerisms, will forever hold their dad with them.

Roy spent his career working in the coal industry eventually becoming a Federal Mine Inspector. After retirement from MSHA he took the position of Safety Director and job site cook for Clas Coal. While working at Clas Coal he met some of his closest friends and mine coal in his home state of Alabama; at this time he had the opportunity to work closely with his son-in-law Steven and grow their bond that can never be broken. In-law is just a term we use to describe people; but Roy just brought you in and made you family. I know Whitney would testify to the extension of love that he showed her upon joining the family. They shared a special bond; and no doubt the memory of that will help ease these coming days. Roy loved his family endlessly. If you never had the pleasure of enjoying some of Roy's cooking or baking, you missed some excellent food. So many Sunday and holiday meals spent around their kitchen table with all of this beloved family

Roy worked hard; but he believed in enjoying life to the fullest. His hobbies were endless, often changing with the natural ebb and flow of life. One thing was for sure though, when he had a hobby or passion; he was 100% invested. From collecting old money to horses and fishing he had many hobbies but dirt track racing was his favorite. From go-carts to running with Racing Mason's he loved the dirt track.

2003 brought a new era, Roy entered his Poppy era. And my goodness what a wonderful Poppy he was to his four cherished granddaughters. Kati, Baleigh, Belle and Chloe were truly the light of his life. He was so proud of all their accomplishments and enjoyed nothing more than simply being with them enjoying their company. No doubt he spoiled them all, just a little.

We all hope to leave a legacy when we leave this life; often it may take a while to manifest for others to see. With Roy, his legacy is one service. Roy volunteered his time and was a proud member of the Colson Volunteer Fire Department. Roy had a servant's heart and was ALWAYS doing something for someone else. Whether on the forefront fighting a fire to behind the scenes working tirelessly during the July 2022 flood. There is not a doubt in my mind that all he did for people will never be quantified. See that's not who he was; he wasn't in it for credit or for the attention, he was there to help and that's exactly what he did.

I'm reminded of Mr. Rogers, the old children's show that many of us grew up watching, he told us "Always look for the helpers. You'll always find people helping." We need to look no further than our friend, our neighbor, our helper Roy.

Funeral: 1:00 O'clock P.M. Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the Campbranch Pentecostal Church with Ray Begley, Steven Ratliff and Alex Anderson officiating. Visitation: 6:00 P.M. Saturday at the Campbranch Pentecostal Church. Burial will follow in the Begley Family Cemetery at Campbranch, Kentucky.