Artic Mack Mack Parker

In honor of Artic Mack Parker, with whom we will forever love and cherish, came to pass on Monday, November 7, 2011. ‘Uncle Mack’, most people called him, was born to Denis and Roxie Parker on September 11, 1919 in Morrilton, Arkansas, and was the youngest son of eight children.

As a child, Mack grew up in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and spent most of his time caring for his siblings and working on the family farm with his father.

Mack enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a light duty truck driver, and a qualified rifle expert, while also serving in the Korean War. During that time, he met and wed Sadie Mae Joseph of New Orleans, Louisiana, and shortly afterwards the family moved to Portland, Oregon where they welcomed their son Williton ‘Billy’ Parker.

Mack was a good man who cared deeply and provided for his family by working as a certified auto technician for Fred Bauer Chevrolet for 35 years. Mack was a figure in the community, coaching little league, fixing cars, and caring for the yard. He had a passion for hunting, gardening and was an avid sportsman; his boasts include Pheasants, Chucker, Deer, Elk, and his prized hog head cheese (made of deer).

Mack was a proud man, and was best known for his strong personality, toughness, and most of all, by the coveralls he wore every day! He was warm, caring, and giving. He was a workaholic! You would often find him working in the garage, trimming trees, cutting grass, or just walking back and forth across Vancouver. He was also a storyteller, frequently telling stories about growing up in Arkansas, how he met Sadie, army life, and how he broke all the bones in body! Mack was a powerful man, up until his passing; he was determined to let us all know he was the “The Boss”.

Mack was preceded in death by his mother, father, and siblings: sister’s Lurlie, Hattie, Inez, and Juanita; brother’s Haywood, Williton, and Otto. Mack leaves behind to cherish his memory, his only son Billy Parker, five granddaughters Chalaunda Pierce, I’Eisha Parker, Dionne Parker, Latosha Parker, and Naomi Parker. Four great-grandchildren: Kaelin Pierce, Khadijah Harden, Neiko Parker, and Khalil Obsin, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.