Barney Parker

He was born December 2, 1942 in Kissimmee, Florida to Barney and Blanche Parker. It was there in high school that he met the love of his life, Jayne. They were blessed with 53-years of marriage and raised two daughters in Tallahassee, Florida.

Barney was a graduate of Troy State University and had a passion for teaching and all things science. He was a life-long teacher and taught Biology at Florida High School in Tallahassee for over 20 years. He would so often recall his time at Florida High and how much he loved teaching.

In his retirement, he carried on his love of teaching and nature as a Ranger at the St. Marks Wild Life Refuge, one of his favorite places on earth. As an avid photographer for most of his life, he founded the St. Marks Photo Club, the first Wildlife Refuge Photo Club in the country.

He loved to fish, a good rare steak and Apalachicola oysters. He enjoyed listening to country music, reading Neil deGrasse Tyson and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

He is preceded by his parents Barney and Blanche; and brother Dean Parker (Johnnie) – who will be happy to welcome him home.

Barney is survived by his wife, Jayne. He was her world and she cared for him every single day throughout his illness.

By his daughters, Lori Strickland (Charles) and Kerry Parker, who felt like the luckiest girls alive to have him as a father.

By his granddaughters, Madison Godwin and Elizabeth Strickland, who called him “Papa” and thought he hung the moon.

By Steve Parker (Diane) and Angie White (Tom), who not only called him a brother, but a hero.

…and by family and friends that will miss his bright blue eyes, his million-dollar smile, his laugh and his love.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Big Bend Hospice Foundation, which provided care for him.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, February 16th at 2:00 pm at Good Samaritan United Methodist Church, 3720 Capital Circle SE, Tallahassee.