William Parker

William “Bill” Parker, 91, of Beckley, WV passed away on May 30, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected by all who knew him. Bill was born in Olive Hill, KY on May 13, 1932 to the late Joseph and Fairy (Fields) Parker. He married the love of his life, Geneva Ann Cook Parker, on December 31, 1956. They were married for 66 years. The couple raised their three daughters in Wyoming County before retiring in Beckley.

Bill proudly served in the US Army, 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles during the Korean War. As Sergeant First Class, he earned the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and South Korean Presidential Award among others. He continued to serve his country while in the Army Reserves. Bill had a long career in mining working over thirty years. He retired as a mine foreman with Amherst Coal Company.

Bill was a devout Christian for his entire adult life. While residing in Wyoming County, he and his family were members of Lacoma Baptist Church where he served as deacon and held various leadership positions within the church throughout the years. Since moving to Beckley, he was an active member of the Calloway Heights Baptist Church where he enjoyed teaching the adult Sunday School class and the fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ.

He will be reunited with his wife, Geneva “Ann” Cook Parker, who passed away on their 66th wedding anniversary in December of 2022. They were a beautiful and loving couple who cherished one another. Other loved ones who had gone before, two brothers: Louis and Frank Whitt; four sisters: Jean Vineyard, Phyllis Branard, Myrtle Cyfers, and Joan Glover. Two great-granddaughters: Wynona and Samantha Reid.

He leaves behind three daughters: Penny (Steve) Toler of Davin, WV; Robin (Clarence) Dishmon of Dawsonville, GA; and Wendy (Jared) Goetz of Tarzana, CA.

Six grandchildren: Heather Dishmon (Andrew) Noble of Alpharetta, GA; Kelly Dishmon (Chris) Downs of Atlanta, GA; Reagan Toler of Centerville, OH; Kerri Toler (Dino) Zaferatos of Durham, NC; Andrew and Jack Goetz of Tarzana, CA.

Six great-grandchildren: Evan Noble, Rosalyn Reid, Konstantinos Zaferatos, Claire Noble, Thalia Zaferatos, and Ella Downs.

Bill loved God, family, and his country. He lined the perimeter of his lawn with American flags on holidays to celebrate and honor fellow veterans and his love of country. Over the years, he was often featured by local news media.

In 2008-2009, Bill battled and won the fight against cancer. He gave the credit to God and celebrated the victory by going zip-lining, 4-wheeling, riding the Virginia Creeper trail, a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon and checking off his “bucket list” with Ann and his family traveling across the US and around the globe.

A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Monday, June 5 at the Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley at 12:00 pm with Reverend Jeff Canterbury officiating. Friends are welcome at 11:00 am. Entombment will immediately follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Reverend Doc Adkins officiating. The service will conclude with the Veterans Military Honors being conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Southern WV in Beckley or the

Duke University Cancer Institute Fund.

Rest in Peace Bill, we know you are holding Ann’s hand again.