Walter Parker, Jr., 87, of Guntersville, AL, passed away December 31st after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He most recently resided at the NHC Place Sumner Nursing residence in Gallatin, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Nebraska Parker, brother Tony Parker and sisters Eleanor Parker Jenkins, Bernice Parker, Mary Alice Parker Elliott and Alene Parker Ptak as well as his first wife of 45 years, Marlene Havens Parker.
Walter was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Norah Clark Parker, and Betty Lou Parker (sister), Dana Akin Prescott (daughter), Scott Parker (son), Shelby Akin, Anna Akin and Austin Parker (grandchildren), Carole Clark Bay, Charles D. Clark, Craig D. Clark & Casey D. Clark (extended family children), as well as several, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
He was born and raised in Bay Springs, MS. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and was a proud life-long Southern Miss Golden Eagles fan. He served one tour in the Army which included two years stationed in the Panama Canal Zone as a Radar Technician. He used his service and academic background to earn an entry level position with NASA. After 30 plus years of distinguished Government service, he retired from NASA in 1987 as the Director of Finance & Accounting for NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. He and Norah were long time members of the United Methodist Church in Guntersville, AL and he cherished the many friends he met along the way.
He will be transported to Huntsville, AL where he will be interred in a private service for the family at Maple Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life reception will be held for friends and family in the private room at Rosie’s Cantina (7540-A S. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL 35802) on Tuesday, January 7th from 4:00-6:00pm.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org or by calling 1-800-708-7644. Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.
