Kerry Michael Parker Sr.

He was the first child of the late Gerald G. and Elouise (Mallory) Parker. He embraced music at an early age and showed prodigious talent. He started the band Illusions with his brother Jerry while still in Holland Patent High School.

They emerged from the basement to television appearances, and to professional performances that required their parents to chaperone. Upon graduation, he was hired by Bobby Comstock and the Counts, placing him on national footing (and in an emerald chip Chevy Corvette). He ended up on bass with Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, B.B. King, appeared throughout the Columbia Pictures Movie: "Let the Good Times Roll", played with Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, Tony Orlando, and opened up for the Beach Boys, Starship, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, The Monkees, Survivor, and many more. His single, "Alright by Be" charted briefly in 1971.

Even in his later years as his career became telecommunications, he never failed to perform with his wife Stacy in the Jumpstart Duo.

He is survived by his former wife, Sharon Beard, and former wife Stacey Parker; brothers, Gerald Jr. (Deborah), Terrance Parker (Lynette Sepello), Michael, and Timothy Parker (Carrie Yager-Parker); his children, Kerry Parker Jr., Kara Parker, Jason Lynch, and Jennifer Stanger; Step children, Renee Foster, Robert Pettit; and a large number of wonderful nieces and nephews whom he loved and admired.

A celebration of life will be held at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774 on January 17th, 2026 from 2pm-4pm.