Joseph Croner Parker

1919-2011

Joseph C. Parker, long-time and well known Pensacola personality, died April 15 after an extended illness.

He is survived by his wife, Martha White Parker, daughter Pamela Jo Lauer, sons Ben (Beth) and Bill (Lisa) and grandchildren, Parker Lauer, Pierce Lauer, Sara Parker Stackpole, Emily Parker and Rachel Parker; a brother, Poly (Judy,) brother-in-law Ed Addison and several nieces and nephews. Brother, Ray, died in 2002.

Joe is perhaps known best locally for his music. He played the bass fiddle masterfully. For many years the three Parker brothers, with Martha as the soloist, along with several other instrumentalists, entertained as the Ray Parker Band. They all were exceedingly talented and were much in demand in the area.

It was not music, however, that first brought Joe and Martha together. It was boats. Joe ordered a new, sleek, wooden, twenty foot inboard speedboat from the Higgins factory, christened “Joe’s Joy.” He also acquired a racing craft that he called “The Pirate,” modified the engine himself, and raced for several years. At one time he held the world’s record for speedboats in his class. Joe excelled in water skiing and taught others to enjoy the sport. “Joe’s Joy” was a familiar sight on Bayou Texar. Many remember Joe as the person who introduced water skiing to Pensacola.

The “mechanic” in Joe seemed to be a natural gift just as music was. After serving four-years in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Joe returned to Pensacola where he began a forty-year career in Civil Service. He rose from apprentice to Department Head of Naval Air Rework Facility at Pensacola’s Naval Air Station. He retired in 1980 from NARF.

In 1972 Joe joined his family together as members of First Baptist Church where he became a much loved and respected active layman. In retirement he earned a commercial drivers license to enable him to drive large buses for church groups. Hundreds of his “riders” fell in love with Joe and Martha and their “ ministry of travel.” As a result of these experiences, snow skiing became a passion which he enjoyed into his late seventies.

Strength of character, mind and body, kindness, generosity and a gift for loving are attributes that Joe possessed and utilized constantly. All who knew him would agree.

Joe was probably happiest standing in knee-deep water with a cast net in his hands. How many mullet has Joe caught, filleted and fried for friends and family? More than you would ever believe!

Joe was a much-loved Christian husband, father and friend who was never too busy to help someone.

Parker and Pierce Lauer, Cal Clevenger, Barry Royal, Steve Shell and Kemp Wilson will serve as pall bearers.

Visitation will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, April 21, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM, both at First Baptist Church, 500 N Palafox St., Dr. Barry Howard, Pastor of FBC, will officiate. Memorials may be sent to the Royal Outreach Center at FBC.