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A Homegoing Celebration
for
J. R. Parker
Sunrise
Sunset
SunsetJuly 10, 1926 Nov. 13, 2014
SERVICE
Thursday, November 20, 2014
12:00noon
Damascus Baptist Church
Magnolia, AR
INTERMENT
Damascus Church Cemetery
Magnolia, AR
CLERGY
Rev. Theodore Smith
Obituary
J.R. Parker was born to Henry and Grusha Parker on July 10, 1926 in Mt. Holly, Arkansas, the fifth of seven children. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Damascus Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas.
He attended Damascus schools where he excelled in math. J.R. was a talented basketball star for the Damascus High School basketball team. As a captain of the team, he led them to winning numerous tournaments. A month before graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a Sergeant in World War II with the 3452nd Quartermaster Truck Company where he qualified as a marksmanship rifle. During his tour he was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Victory Ribbon and One Overseas Service Bar, and was honorably discharged. Upon his return, J.R. obtained his high school diploma on May 14, 1947.
As a captain of the team, he led them to winning numerous tournaments. A month before graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a Sergeant in World War II with the 3452nd Quartermaster Truck Company where he qualified as a marksmanship rifle. During his tour he was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Victory Ribbon and One Overseas Service Bar, and was honorably discharged. Upon his return, J.R. obtained his high school diploma on May 14, 1947.J.R. married Dessie Mae Culp and combined they had five children; Robert, Charlie, Dora, Joyce and Mia. He became a 32nd degree mason in the order of the Scottish Rights in his younger years. He was employed at General Motors in Detroit, Michigan for nearly 40 years. J.R. was an active member within U.A.W. Local 735 where he was elected as a committee man, committee man at large, collective bargaining team member, and convention delegate, and labor management team. Fondly remembered by many, "Jay" dedicated his career to helping and ensuring that the rights of working men and women were not violated.
Upon his retirement from General Motors in 1990, J.R. and Dessie returned home to Magnolia, Arkansas where he remained until his final days.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Grusha Parker ; brother James, Dennis, Malvie; Sisters: Dora , Minnie B, and son: Charlie. J.R. leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife: Dessie Mae Parker; (1) son: Robert Parker (Deborah) of Detroit, MI; Three (3) daughters: Dora Smith (Verdell) of Drtroit, MI; Joyce Jamison (David) of Aberdeen, ML; Mia Parker of Detroit, MI; one (1) brother: Charlie T. Parker (Evelyn) of Magnolia, Arkansas of Magnolia, Arkansas; (2) stepbrother: Robert Beard (Marita) of Stephens, AR; Roy Bell of Magnolia, AR; (6) stepsisters: Mary Sue Harrison (Pete) of Detroit, MI; Ruby Emerson of Detroit, MI; Glendora Lee (Henry) of Smackover, AR; Glenda Hughes, Brenda Young, Joyce Franks (Cotis) all of Magnolia, AR; stepmother: Rosedale Parker of Magnolia, AR; (2) sister-in-laws: Nobie Lee Reed and Jessie Lee McCoy both of Muskegon, MI. He also leaves (18) grandchildren, (34) great grandchildren, (4) great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
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