Jerry Parker

Jerry Maurice Parker, 55, died Saturday, August 23, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family, dear friends, and his beloved dachshund, “LD”. Jerry was the only child born in New Orleans, Louisiana to William and Mary Parker who predeceased him in 1998. Jerry attended college at Loyola University and was a member of Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity. It was at Loyola that Jerry met a petite brunette named JulieAnne White. Jerry and JulieAnne were inseparable for the next seven years, married in May of 1985, and moved to Tampa. It was at USF that Jerry completed his Masters in Public Administration. Jerry and JulieAnne faced every challenge with faith and every joy with thanksgiving. Jerry was blessed with three wonderful children – son Joseph Parker (Tallahassee), daughters Julia (Tampa) and Jacqueline (U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado) Parker. Jerry has over thirty loving cousins, two aunts and an uncle in Illinois who frequently travel to visit each other. Jerry worked for the Manatee School Board for 19 years. He was the supervisor for EDV TV. Despite the commute to Bradenton, Jerry was always able to schedule time for his children and numerous charitable activities. Jerry was actively involved with Boy Scouts (assistant scout master) and spent numerous weekends camping and pitching a tent with Joseph and the scouts. Jerry was a devout Catholic and spent a lot of time helping at his church and parish of Christ the King. Jerry was a Eucharistic Minister, a tireless supporter of the church teen program, and a 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Jerry supported the church’s mission in Haiti, traveling there to assist with the creation of a new Catholic school and working with the poor. Jerry also volunteered at Faith Café, serving the homeless. In South Tampa, Jerry gave his time each Christmas in support of the Santa Stop, a children’s charity that he and JulieAnne co-founded and which continues through the efforts of the Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts. Jerry was an adventurer. When he could find the time, he’d join like-minded buddies on an outdoor trek from Minnesota to Canada, camping and canoeing along the way for several days. Photography and music were other passions. Together with Jacqueline he enjoyed attending concerts, playing their guitars, and mentoring his daughter’s musical ambitions. Jerry loved traveling with his family. Together they’ve been to Europe, the British Isles and throughout the Caribbean. Within the U.S. Jerry drove his family on road trips that included the southeast and all the way to the Everglades. Jerry loved the beach and took every opportunity to be with his family enjoying the water, the sun, and socializing by the pool. Jerry was blessed with numerous and dear friends from college and from his many associations. Jerry was a member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. Jerry was a kind and gentle man whose resourcefulness compelled him to help before even being asked. His quiet demeanor and serene smile were his trademark. His will to live and his courage to experiment with new cancer therapies were an inspiration. Jerry fought bravely until the end. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Visitation will be at Blount & Curry, 605 S. MacDill Ave., Tuesday from 5:30pm – 8:00pm with a Rosary at 7 pm. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 1:00pm, Christ the King Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry, with interment at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay or Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.