William Bernard (“Bernie”) Parker, 81, a retired, highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, Master Sargent in the USAF, died Sunday, September 17, 2017. Mr. Parker was born in Charleston, WV on June 5, 1936 to Samuel Bernard Parker and Irene Vance Parker. After high school, he joined the USAF and spent most of his military career as an Air Combat Control Systems Analyst. In addition to his many other ribbons and medals, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. With almost 23 years of service to his country, he retired in March of 1977 and began a career as a plumber. Bernie was a Master Mason, member of the Scottish Rite, and Omar Shrine Temple. Besides his love for golf, his hobbies included spending quality time with his family or friends. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his widow, Shelba Romesburg Pender of N. Charleston, daughters, Teresa Brooks, New Bern NC, Cheryll Parker, Bat Cave NC, and Lynn McElveen, Summerville, sons, William Parker Jr., Melbourne, FL, Mark Pender, Summerville and “Gil” Pender, Clarksville, TN. His 11 grandchildren, Gregory Robinson, Jonathan Brooks, James Brooks, William Parker III, Michael Banks, Julia Banks, Lauren Pearce, Jenna Brown, Stephen Pender, Nicole Gracey, and Kristen Pender. Bernie was also the proud “Poppy” to 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Billie Bawn, Woodstock, VA, Sheila Mackasek, Sun City, AZ, Brenda Edwards, Charleston WV, Geneva Crisp, Bonita Springs, FL and Clifford Parker, Charleston, WV. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 2:00pm in the chapel of Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm to 2:00pm prior to the service. Burial will follow in Carolina Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Shriners Hospital for Children, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate.
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