William Ray Parker

William Ray Parker, age 77 of Warren, died Sunday, June 16, 2019 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born December 3, 1941 in Los Angeles, California, son of the late Ernest Leroy and the late Velma Virginia (nee: Nichols) Parker.

Employed as a welder for the Ford Motor Company, William job compelled him to be protected and confined by the clothing and mask he wore, so working his way toward earned time off became quite precious and anticipatory. When it came to enjoying that time, Bill often headed to the outdoors where he loved to camp. Exchanging the concrete jungle for the beauty of Michigan’s backwoods experience was often at the top of his list of favorites, and the joys of camping fit the bill perfectly. There’s just something special about engaging with other fellow campers that infused him with a fervor and pleasant expectations of the time he would share getting back to nature. If you’ve ever camped, then that unique countenance is something you’ll know very well,…a countenance that Bill sought to emulate and embrace.

Getting back to nature afforded Bill another of his favorite pastimes,…fishing. Always in search of “The Big One,”…he simply found immense pleasure in casting out his line at one of his favorite fishing holes, then sitting back and basking in the peacefulness and serenity of a sunny, quiet day, by or on the water, awaiting that familiar tug on the line as the action was about to ensue. The anticipation and expectations always came to their pinnacle at that moment, and the joys of fishing would go from rest & relaxation to the skills and talents of the sport. Being in the outdoors also afforded Bill the pleasures of bird watching, a pastime and hobby that he found quite engaging and fulfilling. With so many species to be found here in the Mitten state, Bill’s watchful eyes were always peeled and at the ready to record another wonderful find amidst the flora & fauna of Michigan.

Bill was also quite taken by a common sight along the Michigan shorelines in the many lighthouses that have shone the way for so many boaters and vessels over the years,…and many still do. Along with the several metaphors attached to these landmarks, they are also quite spectacular and something Bill appreciated immensely. So much so that he decided to become a collector of lighthouses and managed to acquire an impressive assortment of the shoreline guides. And in keeping with his lake themed appreciation, Bill was known for his attraction to the many freighters that traveled the Great Lakes as well. With their massive structure and behemoth size, he was always fascinated by how they cut so smoothly through the waters and waves. And depending on where he was along the shoreline, Bill was often fortunate to espy these freighters up close & personal,…almost feeling like he could reach out and touch them. Freighter watching can be mesmerizing at times, and Bill loved being swept away by their grandeur.

Bill also loved to travel. Hopping in the car and heading out to explore and discover the splendor of America was a regular pastime in which he found great pleasure. Overall, he was able to visit 38 of these great United States,…of which he found those on the western side to be most attractive and memorable.

But of all the wonderful moments and memories that Bill amassed in life, none were more treasured and precious than those shared with his loved ones. He was truly a “family man,”…especially when it came to his cherished grandchildren, the light of his life. Spending time in their company never ceased to infuse Bill with a joy and passion that came straight from Heaven. And Bill’s passions were also extended to his precious pup, “Dakota.” The consummate Fur Daddy, Bill adored his dog, a congenial mix of Lab & Dalmation that was as playful as he was loveable,…and Dakota filled his master’s heart with immeasurable joy.

William was the beloved husband of Veronica (nee: Dubiel) Parker. Dearest father of Kathleen Parker, William (Kathleen) Parker Jr., and Scott (Sheree) Parker. Loving grandfather of William III, Stefanie, Angelic, Jacob, Christopher, and great-grandfather of Torynn and Riley.

Visitation for William will be held Thursday, June 20th from 5-9 pm at the  D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd.) in Warren. At 7:00 pm, the U.S. Army will render military honors for William in recognition of his service to our country during the Vietnam War era.

Please share memories of William at his guest book below.