Wayland Boyd Parker

Wayland Boyd Parker, (Peter) 88, died December 6, 2010 at South Port Square, Port Charlotte, FL, where he had lived since 2005. He was born in Olean, NY on September 1, 1922, the fourth son of Jane and Ernest Parker.

He leaves his wife of 60 years, Janet, two daughters Sharon Poliquin, (Dr. James Poliquin) of Cleveland, OH and Cindi Mumper (Rev. Jay Mumper) of Port Charlotte, FL, grandchildren Meghann Willmon, Jan Whitney Brown, Joshua Poliquin and Dora Poliquin, great grandchildren Parker and Caroline Willmon and Harper Brown.

He was predeceased by his three brothers Merle E. Parker, and twins Douglas E. Parker and Donald G. Parker. He is survived by a sister Colleen Green of Clarence NY, four nephews and a niece.

He graduated from olean High School before joining the U.S Army where he served in the Infantry from 1942-1946.

Since early childhood he most often could be found with pencil and paper in hand creating cartoons, portraits and caricatures. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1950 with a degree in Fine Arts and accepted a job with the Olean Tile Co, during that time he designed and created a 12 foot high portrait of Jesus in ceramic tile which was placed in the local park.

In 1961 he moved to South Boston, VA where he worked as Head Designer for the Daystrom Furniture Company, designing and creating kitchen and dining furniture in both metals and woods. He designed the first kitchen island in wood, useful for preparing foods and storing equipment.

In 1985 he retired and moved to Port Charlotte Fl, where he was known for the canes and walking sticks he made from palm tree seed pods.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday , January 7, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church 2230 Hariet Street, Port Charlotte 33952 where he was a member. In lieu of flowers contributions in Wayland's name can be made to A Small World Christian learning Center at the Church would be greatly appreciated. Inurnment will be at the Sarasota National Military Cemetery at a later time.

Please visit the online guest book and to light a candle in Wayland's name at Kays-Ponger.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel