Private family services will be held.
Dick was born in Victoria, Texas on December 28, 1943, to Grace M. (Holley) and Raymond G. Parker. After his dad retired from the United States Air Force, Dick's family settled in Lubbock, Texas, where his dad owned and operated Kar Kare Garage. Dick graduated from Monterey High School in 1962, where he played football for the Plainsman. While attending college, Dick spent many hours working at the garage with his dad, learning how to take proper care of and fix anything and everything related to cars. He even worked on race cars for Kenny Bernstein. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1969 with a B.B.A. in Personnel Management. He furthered his education in 1981, completing an Executive Development Program at the University of Houston. In 1991, he attended the Governor's Leadership Conference. Dick began his career at Pioneer Corporation as a Personnel Assistant in 1969. He worked his way up through the organization to become Vice President of Personnel in 1985. In 1990, he went to work for the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission as a Pre-Hearing Examiner/Benefit Review Officer, retiring in 2013.
Dick married the love of his life, Janice C. "Jan" Long on January 1, 1983.
He had a sweet heart, was generous with his time and talents, and enjoyed helping others. He had the ability to build and fix just about anything, not just cars.
He volunteered with the Amarillo Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, serving as both a member and Chairman of the Board. This connection led to him being involved with and helping to manage Lawndale Charity Bingo for the past 37 years.
Dick's favorite hobbies were golf and watching Red Raider Football.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Raymond Parker.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Parker; daughter, Tracy L. Long; sister, Margaret A. "Peggy" Frost; brothers-in-law, Patrick L. Frost and Robert E. Vogt; nephew, Craig P. Frost, and niece Cynthia D. "Cindy" Frost of Austin, Texas.
Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of choice.
