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William Parker Obituary

Billy Parker William Henry Parker, Jr., better known as "Billy" was born in January 1951 to William and Ruth Parker in Pittsburgh, Pa. He passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2016, while visiting family in Pahrump, Nevada. In 1954 the family moved to Morro Bay and in 1961 to San Luis Obispo. It was in San Luis that Billy attended local schools, graduating from San Luis Obispo High in 1969 where he lettered in both track and football. Billy went on to Cal Poly where he graduated with a degree in Architecture. While working for a local architecture firm Billy decided his true calling was to become a general contractor and he was good at it. He worked his entire career in and around San Luis Obispo, working on many downtown businesses and fine homes. Many locals will remember that in 1982 Billy entered and won the first "Hang Five Contest" sponsored by Spring Toyota. Billy outlasted over 30 other contestants and won a brand new pickup truck. Those who knew Billy would often hear him say, "I may not be here for a long time but I'm here for a good time!" And he lived by that motto. Billy had many friends and he was always there for them. If he heard a friend was in need he was often the first one to respond. Billy loved to laugh, tell stories and jokes for which he had a phenomenal memory. He was definitely "One of a Kind," a "California Boy" and a "Lover of Life." He will truly be missed by all. RIP Billy, "I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end, but I always thought that I would see you again." Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Sr. and Ruth, and is survived by his sister Carol (husband John) and nephews John, Jim, Bob and niece Carol. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Billy's Life on June 11th, 4:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Pozo Saloon. A Barbecue will be served so bring your appetites and your stories. Hawaiian shirts optional. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on May 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Parker

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Bruce & Sandy Cooper

June 12, 2016

Dear Billy, In 1988 you performed our wedding ceremony, for your kind service we are eternally grateful! Sandy and I stopped by the gathering in your honor at the Pozo Saloon, there we saw many hearts and souls you touched both before and after ours.Well done Billy Parker, well done! On our ride home we saw a bald eagle rise from a spreading oak, soar over a field and disappear over a ridge line, see you on the other side old friend. Peace, Bruce and Sandy Cooper

Doug Rion Debbie Belt

June 12, 2016

Want to share this October 2015 photo of Billy in his Speedster Replica. He was helping us to learn about them and search for one of our own to buy. He took Debbie for a ride out to Avila and later handed us the keys to take it for a drive. We were hesitant for fear of damaging it, but he laughed (that one of a kind Billy Parker laugh) and said "it's just a car, take it for a drive !" Always generous, helpful and funny ! We miss him dearly.

Tonya Branson

June 2, 2016

I'm back in time, looking at your picture, and no time has passed, really. I hear your laugh and my own, because you always made me laugh.
You loved me and I loved you. See you later. God bless you. Xoxo

George Miller

May 31, 2016

Billy, we were friends from First Grade on. Always the helpful guy and true friend. Sorry to see you go so soon. After all these years, you have been in my thoughts often. Wish I could have seen you more but circumstances prevented that. So long, good friend.

Ruth Warkentin

May 30, 2016

I am lucky to know Billy and call him "friend". Always kind, loving and generous. Always laughing and I loved visiting with him when I had the chance. He made the best oyster Rockefeller I ever ate! He built the most amazing deck for us - winding around massive oak trees, different levels, lighting around all the edges - all with making sure he did not disturb my pet cemetery. So compassionate. You are truly missed Billy. See you when my time comes.

Vicki Carroll

May 25, 2016

It was a pleasure to have known Billy for the past 40+ years. What a wonderful person he was. My condolences to his family.

Tom Johnson

May 25, 2016

Bill was the fastest running back on the SLO Tigers football team, and told great jokes on the track team bus. A good guy with a great laugh. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Kori, Kathy & Bob Southam

May 24, 2016

Your friends and family will miss you. May you rest in peace.

Diana Bowlby

May 24, 2016

Such a sweet soul. Always kind, always sweet and such a beautiful smile. And those sparkley eyes! What a loss to us. Hopefully, he is riding a wave or watching a sunset or riding a woodie along highway 1. Save me a place on a golden beach!

Kay and Monte Hill

May 24, 2016

Billy reached out to us offering his many talents, generosity and love. He was caring, thoughtful and kind. His smile and sense of humor warmed our hearts. He and Ruth were truly a blessing in our lives. He will be greatly missed by our family...we will forever treasure the memories of our times together.

Jerry Kennedy

May 24, 2016

Sorry to hear of Billy's death. We water childhood friends in San Luis. I even " babysat " one summer. We didn't get into too much trouble!

May 23, 2016

So sorry to see Billy's passing. We were personal and church friends of Billy and his parents and grew up together. Deepest condolences to Billy's family. Juanita Kennedy Anderson and Amelia Kennedy Silva

Enjoying time at Pahrump Winery.

Jim Southam

May 23, 2016

Red Rock Canyon with the family over Easter.

Jim Southam

May 23, 2016

Red Rock Canyon with family

Jim Southam

May 23, 2016

Enjoying Pahrump Valley Winery with family.

Jim Southam

May 23, 2016

Red Rock Canyon with family

Jim Southam

May 23, 2016

Enjoying Pahrump Valley Winery with family.

Jim Southam

May 23, 2016

May 23, 2016

Growing up, I always looked up to my Uncle Billy who was 4 years older. He was faster, smarter, better looking, and infinitely cooler than me and my little brothers! I admired that he always lived life on his terms. He didn't want to move to SF or LA and take that high paying architect job he said SLO was the best place you ever could live. While his time was cut short, he did it his way. We are grateful we were able to spend quality time together over Easter at the Southam family gathering in Pahrump.

Billy, you will be greatly missed by all.

Love, Jim & Carole Southam

Maddie Southam

May 23, 2016

I am so happy we were able to spend time together with the whole family one last time. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Billy.

Tim Solomonson

May 23, 2016

I was fortunate to meet you and enjoyed the brief time we spent together.

Marlee Solomonson

May 23, 2016

So happy we got to spend time with you over the Easter holiday. You were a great story teller! You will be greatly missed.
May you rest in peace.

Wayne & Sharen Bloechl

May 23, 2016

One of our o'hana! We were together with our woodies the week before at the San Luis Film Festival's Surf Nite - he and his great spirit will be missed

Jamie DeMarco

May 23, 2016

We are so blessed to have been able to spend time with you recently in NV. It was such a joy to get to know you again and hear your impressions and stories about me when I was a child. You will be missed. Rest in peace, Billy.
Love, Jamie and Matt DeMarco

Sherri Staat

May 23, 2016

I was so very fortunate to know Billy and have him in my life. He was a true friend, and a force of nature. My condolences to Billy's family and all of his friends.

Kristine Hill

May 22, 2016

I am truly stunned by this news. My deepest condolences to Carole and the rest of his family at this very sad time. He will be greatly missed. He was always kind, thoughtful and fun to be around.

JUNE WILMER

May 22, 2016

I am sad about leaving us but, he did life to the very fullest. I will dearly miss him.

Ed & Marilyn Bowman

May 22, 2016

Billy was one of our woodie brothers and will truly be missed. He was quiet but always so much fun to be with. At the last Woodies on the Wharf, I remember how excited he was taking pictures with his new Iphone 6.
I'm sure he is up "talking story" with George, Kenny and the rest of his buddies.

Donna and Russ Tice

May 22, 2016

We, too, have been very saddened at Billy's unexpected passing and wish to express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. The Parkers have been our neighbors since the early 1970s. We very much miss Bill Sr., Ruth and now Billy. They were kind, caring and respectful human beings and we were so fortunate to have known them as good neighbors and friends.

The Southams of Mpls.

John Southam

May 22, 2016

You will be misses by many
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

May 22, 2016

Our hearts go out to Billy's family with this sad, sad news. We take solace in looking back at the lovely visit we had with Billy some months before his untimely death, and for that we are grateful. He shall be missed.

Michael and Naomi Frucht

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