Gary Michael Parker

It is with deep sadness that Betty and Michelle announce the passing of their loving and supportive husband and father Gary M. Parker, 74, of Arlington, TX. Surrounded by his family, he passed away peacefully on November 5, 2023, from complications of chemo and radiation treatments.

He was born in Waco, TX, on February 3, 1949, to parents Harold & Harriet Parker. He was the first child and the first grandchild in the Parker family, so he enjoyed all the attention.

Gary attended Connally High School in Waco and it was there that he met Betty. They graduated together and married while Gary was attending Baylor University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree.

After graduation, the family moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area where he had a long and successful career in sales, representing many product lines in the electrical industry. During those years, Gary met and became friends with so many, most of whom he kept in touch with and are still friends today. Gary was dedicated and gave only his best to each task, whether it be for his employer, helping a friend, neighbor or a stranger. Gary & Betty have been privileged to live in a close-knit neighborhood for many years. You could often find him helping neighbors and doing so with a grateful heart. He had a gift for talking (not that he did much of that) but he knew the questions to ask and he would then listen to their stories.

Gary had finally settled into retirement and enjoyed each day doing what he wanted. Every day included either walking or riding his bike and working out in some form. He also spent his days being of service to others, reading, researching, playing his guitars, playing with his granddog, having lunch with his daughter, working in the yard, feeding and watching the birds and squirrels, watching old westerns -- or anything Betty asked him to do. He had traveled so much during his career that he was happy to lead a quiet life at home and never get on a freeway again.

Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty, and his daughter, Michelle. He is also survived by a brother, Brian, aunts Bobbie and Catherine, cousins Marsha, Jeanne, Susan, Karen, Jay, Cathy, Nancy, Glenn, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tommie & Ruby Cole, nieces Amanda and Sara, nephews Carlton, Jerry, Clint, and many more extended family members.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Harold & Harriet Parker, in-laws, Paul & Mae Cole, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., November 13, 2023, at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 N. Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to Operation Kindness, www.operationkindness.org, or The Wounded Warrior Project, Donor Care Center, P. O. Box 758541, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8541, or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Parker family.