Harvey E. “Gene” Parker, 88, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away at his home, Wednesday, May 22, 2019.
Gene was born November 23, 1930 in Hot Springs to the late Harvey & Ruby (Davis) Parker. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Martin.
He leaves behind his wife and the love of his life of 67 years, Mary Nell (Carter) Parker. Four children, Gene Parker, Jr (Angela), Jerry Parker (Jody), Kathy Reynolds (Lloyd) and David Parker (Ami). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and sister Katherine Sligh.
He served his country with the U.S. Air Force. After serving with the military, he went into the banking industry where he worked for 37 years, before retirement. Gene was a very active member of his community, serving 55 years with the Veteran’s Administration as a Federal Fiduciary, assisting many veterans through the years. He also served 43 years on the board of National Park College, 37 years with the Soil Conservation Board, and 25 years with the Lakeside School Board. Gene was also a member of Oaklawn Rotary Club, who honored him with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was a member and deacon at Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Matt Parker, Jason Reynolds, Brian Reynolds, Dylan Parker, Jake Parker and Austin Harrell.
Honorary Pallbearers are John Hogan, Darla Thurber, NPC staff, the Soil Conservation Board and Dr. John Bond.
Visitation will be Tuesday 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A celebration of Gene’s life will be 10:00 am Wednesday at Gross Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Herbert Watts, Pastor Mike Pounders and Pastor Joe Bob Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
With the many accomplishments in his life Gene was the most proud and blessed with his family.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Foundation at giving.archildrens.org. Please designate funds to Cystic Fibrosis research.
