Robert Neil Parker, Jr, of Albertville, Alabama passed away Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Marshall Medical Center South.
Bob was born in Watertown, South Dakota, to Robert N. Parker, Sr., and Lorraine Jackson Parker, on October 14, 1948. He lived in the small town of Bryant, South Dakota, for 17 years where his dad owned a gas station. He grew up free to roam this small community where he drove a tractor, rode his horse, fished, and hunted with his dog. This idyllic life was interrupted by family circumstances.
Bob had to sell his horse and the family moved to Modesto, California. Bob graduated from high school and immediately joined the Navy. During the Vietnam War he served on the aircraft carrier Ticonderoga. This is the same ship his father served on during World War II.
Once out of service, he married and worked in a munitions plant driving a forklift. After retirement, Bob moved to Albertville, Alabama where he proudly waved his star-spangled banner on his front porch while waiting for the mailman. Bob quickly embraced the southern football tradition and could be heard shouting a hearty “Roll Tide!” Bob was a disabled veteran and a life member of both the disabled American Veterans and the Verterans of Foreign Wars.
He leaves behind two children, three grandchildren, a brother and sister, and an extended family of relatives and friends.
Bob’s family especially want to thank his military veteran buddies he so cherished.
Services for Bob will be Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Visitation will begin at 9:00am with the funeral service following at 11:00am. Burial will be in Brashiers Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers are Will Sawyer, Erikson Parker, Adam Bodine, Jayden Bodine, Larry Bodine and Randy Vissers. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel assisting with arrangements.
