William H. "Bill" Parker

DELMAR - William 'Bill' H. Parker, of Delmar, died Friday, November 25, 2011, at his home with his wife of 42 years by his side. Bill was born August 30, 1925, in Salisbury, a son of the late, William S. and Gladys Vaughn Parker. Bill attended Western Maryland College in Westminster on a football scholarship before returning home to help on the family farm. He retired after 27 years of service as a store manager for the Benjamin's Department Stores in Salisbury and Dover, a job he truly enjoyed. His affection for hard work continued after retirement as he worked for various companies, including H.V. Kennerly Seafood. He was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Delmar where through the years he served on several committees. He was also a past member of the Bivalve Lions Club and Rotary. He loved the outdoors, working in his yard and vegetable garden and was an avid fisherman. He is survived by his wife, Faye P. Parker; three daughters, Lynn McPherson of Pittsville, Rebecca Jones and her husband, Robert of McKinney, Texas, and Bobbie Aaron and her husband, Gene of Hurlock; five grandchildren, G.W. Oakley, III of Salisbury, Allison Smith and her husband, Craig of Delmar, Dr. William Jones and his wife, Diana of McKinney, Texas, Brian Jones of Vail, Colorado and Christopher Sterling and his wife, Teisha of Salisbury; seven great-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Riley Smith of Delmar, Amanda and Olivia Jones of Frisco, Texas and C.J. and Peyton Sterling and Da'Von Perry, all of Salisbury; and a brother, Robert L. Parker and his wife, Jo Sue of Bell Haven, Virginia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his constant companion, his beloved cat "Chester." In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Vaughn Parker; a granddaughter, Lori Sterling; and a son-in-law, Jeff McPherson. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2011, at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where family and friends may call from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pastor Lee Hughart will officiate. Interment will follow at Wicomico Memorial Park in Salisbury. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to, Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 100 Commerce Drive, Newark, DE 19713. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.