Gaines R. "G.R." Parker

Gaines R. “G.R.” Parker, 86, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, in the Asbury Place at Baysmont. Mr. Parker was born on December 19, 1927 in Kingsport, Tennessee the son of the late George Gaines Parker and Lexie Monroe Parker. He graduated from Sullivan High School and retired from Eastman Chemical Company as Foreman in Research with forty-two years of service. He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Force having served in World War II. During his time of service he received the following decorations and citations; World War II Victory Medal and Occupation Ribbon of Japan. He was a member of Sunnyside Baptist Church having served as treasurer for a period of time and presently serving as trustee. He was a greeter that everyone loved to meet on Sunday mornings to receive their bulletins and the warm welcoming hugs, and served in many other capacities within the church. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Nadine Hubbard Parker and one brother, Paul Parker. Survivors include his four sisters, Ruth Young, Roma Hann, Eveline Platz and husband Marvin and Velma Ketron and husband Marce; one sister-in-law, Isabella Parker; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Sunnyside Baptist Church, 406 Cooks Valley Road, Kingsport, TN., 37664. Funeral Services for Mr. Gaines R. “G.R.” Parker will be held Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 7:00pm at Sunnyside Baptist Church with Pastor Roy Graves and Pastor Todd Latham officiating. Graveside Services will be held Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 2:00pm in the Christus Garden of East Lawn Memorial Park with military honors to be rendered by the American Legion Hammond Post #3 and Gate City Post #265. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of his Sunday School Class at Sunnyside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Sunnyside Baptist Church, building fund, 406 Cooks Valley Road, Kingsport, TN., 37664. The family would like to say a special thanks to all the nurses and staff of Asbury Place at Baysmont and Dr. Mark Jenkins for their excellent care given to Mr. Parker. East Lawn Funeral Home, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664; 423-288-2081; is honored to be serving the Parker family.