Joseph Gregory Parker, 63, passed away peacefully at his home in Huntsville, AL on April, 16, 2021 surrounded by his girls. He was born August 24, 1957, in Knoxville, Tennessee to Joe and Gladys Parker. He graduated from Johnson High School in 1975.
He met the love of his life, Joan Sutton Parker, at Motlow Community College in 1976. They have been married for 43 years and have two daughters.
He graduated from The University of Alabama, in 1984, as an electrical engineer. The same year Greg joined the Army’s Missile Research and Development Center (AMRDEC) in the Infrared and Optical Technology Area at Redstone Arsenal, AL. During his career, Greg provided technical support in the development and testing of multiple Infrared Sensors and missile systems in support of our Warfighters. He especially enjoyed working with the helicopters and spent many, many hours riding in the back seat conducting sensor evaluations that would be used to help improve their performance and future success. He traveled all over the U.S. He even spent some time “working” with our soldiers in Puerto Rico. But even while travelling, he was still attentive to his family back home. Greg’s work ethic remained focused around wanting the best for our Warfighters and in doing so, he earned numerous awards and commendations during his tenure as a Government employee at Redstone.
In 2019, after 35 years as a Government employee, Greg retired as a GS-14 and then continued his support of the Warfighter in his next career as a Principal Engineer for Invariant Corporation. His knowledge and expertise provided vital input into the continued success the TOW and Containerized Weapon System programs. Greg was a key contributor to Invariant’s technical staff and will always be a member of the Invariant family. Greg’s family will forever be indebted to David and the team at Invariant for everything they have done.
He grew up at Memorial Parkway church of Christ. He spent many years chaperoning the youth group while Brittany and Kathleen were young. In May 2007, he became an elder at Memorial Parkway now Chase Park church of Christ. He played an integral part in the building of Chase Park and was excited for the future of the congregation.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Parker. He is survived by his wife Joan Sutton Parker and daughters Brittany (Richard) Oden and Kathleen Parker. Grandchildren Elijah, Kentrell, Gabrielle, Annabelle, and EllaKate Oden. His father, Joe Parker, and one brother, Jeff (Kristine) Parker. Brother and Sister-in-laws, Joe (Vickie) Sutton, John (Michelle) Sutton, Jean Hill. And a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chase Park church of Christ building fund at www.cpcofc.org/donation-form or Bighouse Foundation at ourbighouse.org
“He has fought the good fight, He has finished the race, He has kept the faith.”
