Jackie “Bill’ Parker Sr. was born on January 22nd, 1937 in Qualls, OK, the son of Ralph and Nola (Trammel) Parker. He was raised in a large household with seven brothers and one sister, Ralph Jr., Bob Wayne, Tommy, Raymond, Jimmie, Charlie, Joe and Marie Parker-Torix. He attended school at Pigeon School. He married the love of his life, Clara “Lois” Pann on April 24th, 1959. Together they enjoyed all life had to offer them for over 61 years, and were blessed with three sons, Jackie, Robert and Tim. For over 60 years he owned and operated Parker Roofing Company. He was a hardworking man that did his best to make a living for his family. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed taking the grandkids to the horse races. There was nothing better than sharing stories, gathering his family together to celebrate a holiday or share a picnic, he thought his grandchildren were the best in the world. On his weekends, he liked to go to the Tahlequah Sale Barn and share breakfast with his buddies while swapping stories. Sunday morning coffee was usually held at the Log Store North, where he enjoyed friendly banter and a joke or two. He didn’t know any strangers, and had the kind of smile that made you feel you had known him all of your life. Even when his health had begun to fail him, Bill kept the trademark smile, and shared it with everyone. He passed from this life on Sunday, November 15th, 2020 at his residence surrounded by the family he loved. Bill was 83 years old and leaves a vacancy that can never be filled.
Bill now joins his grandparents, his Mother and Father, all seven brothers and his sister.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Lois of the home, and his children, Jackie Parker and wife Kristin, Robert Parker and Tim Parker and wife Patty all of Tahlequah, OK. He also leaves eleven grandchildren who will greatly miss him, Cody, Adam, Brant, Jakki, Jacee, Josh, Mitchell, Sara, Kristi, Paige and Jake, and nine great grandchildren, Mae Lee, Alli, Presley, Lily, Wheeler, Bo Jack, Aleigha, Dax and Addie. There are also many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones.
Graveside Services for Jackie “Bill” Parker Sr. will be held on Saturday, November 21st, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Pettit Cemetery. Brother Doug Boling will officiate. He will have a visitation at Reed-Culver Funeral Home beginning Friday, November 20th, 2020 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.
Pallbearers for Bill include Cody Parker, Adam Parker, Brant Parker, Jake Parker, Leon Torix, Mitchell Sisco, and Josh Morton. Honorary pallbearers include Paulx Miller, Bill Lamons, Charles Yochum, David Yochum, Brent Yochum, Jason Pann, Ed Jeffers, Dick Holloway, Rob Teague, Bret Teague, his Sale Barn Breakfast Buddies and the Log Store Coffee Buddies.
