Joseph Wheeler Parker, 90, of Decatur, passed away at Decatur Morgan Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Dec. 27, 2015. The visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral home Chapel. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m. with burial to follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Reverend Scott Delashaw is officiating.
Mr. Parker is preceded in death by his parents, William Knolph Parker and Maude Terry Parker; son, Joseph Don Parker; sisters, Eula Parker Terry and Opal Jean Morris; and brothers, Pruitt, Dotson, Grady, Guy, Billy and Brown Parker.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Roberts Parker; daughter, Sharon Parker Cavnar (Randy) of Decatur; grandchildren, Todd Roby of Decatur, and Rachel Roby Clark (Jonathan) of Danville; great-grandchildren, Parker Roby, Lillie Beth Roby and Ella Clark; several nieces and nephews; two daughters from a previous marriage, Sandra Oliver (Harold) of Moulton and Barbara Bowling (Conrad) of Hillsboro.
Mr. Parker served his country during World War II in Japan, and was part of the 49th Fighter Group, where he was an airplane mechanic.
He enjoyed his work as a firefighter for the city of Decatur. He retired as a Lieutenant after 34 years of service. He was a caring husband of 65 years, as well as a devoted father, grand-father, and great grand-father.
Pallbearers will be Todd Roby, Jonathan Clark, Barry Smith, Jay Roberts, Randy Cavnar, and JT Thrasher. Honorary pallbearers will be Parker Roby and retired firefighters.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Beltline Church of Christ Building Fund, or Hospice of the Valley.
Roselawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.
