Charles William Parker Sr, 90, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021. He loved his family well, putting them before himself, and made acquaintances feel like family as well. He helped all who asked, without reservation. His bear hugs and strong handshakes were given to all who met him. He loved John Wayne, saying he was like his Dad, and was among the most die-hard and faithful of UK fans. He also loved Country music. Although he rarely traveled, and never boarded a plane or boat, he felt thankful and blessed to have visited (accompanied by his daughters, niece and SIL) John Wayne's birthplace in Somerset Iowa, the Grand Ole Opry (to see his music idol Loretta Lynn) in Nashville TN, and the final four NCAA championship in New Orleans LA. He began picking oranges, alongside his dad, to help provide for 14 siblings, when he dropped out of school. After marrying, he went to work at American Standard, until hiring on at Ford Motor Company in 1953. He retired after 28 years, being given credit for serving 30 years due to his excellent attendance record.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Jane Parker; father, Emmett Cecil Parker Sr.; mother, Lena Pearl Bruner; brothers, Jake Cecil Parker, Roy Parker, Emmett Cecil Parker Jr., Ronald Preston Parker; sisters, Dora Mae O'Brath, Mildred Taylor, Aline Bell, Thelma Parker, and Reba Joyce Parker.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Emma Parker; children, Christina Story, Debra Holton (John), Charlotte Rountree, Charles Parker Jr. (Priscilla), Lisa Simon (Chuck); 12 grandchildren, Joe Pyle, Chris Pyle (Lisa), Steven Dick, Christina Story, John Holton Jr. (Katie), Brian Holton (Jolie), Phil Rountree, Jonathan Rountree, Patrick Parker (Ashley), Franchesca Douthitt (Doug), Marie Estes (Robbie), Lori Simon (Arnaud Pouppeville); 33 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Billy Parker, Larry Parker, Rose Snyder, Lorene Clark, and Betty Cox.
The Funeral Service will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2:00pm with visitation from 11:00am until the time of service at the funeral home.
Please visit www.Evergreen-Louisville.com to share condolences with his family.
