Joseph Wheeler Parker

Joseph Wheeler Parker, 90, of Decatur, passed away at Decatur-Morgan Hospital surrounded by his loving family on December 27, 2015. The visitation will be held on Thursday, December 31, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Roselawn Funeral home Chapel. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m., with burial to follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Rev. Scott Delashaw is officiating.

Mr. Parker is preceded in death by his parents, William Knolph Parker and Maude Terry Parker; son, Joseph Don Parker; sisters, Eula Parker Terry and Opal Jean Morris; and brothers, Pruitt, Dotson, Grady, Guy, Billy, and Brown Parker.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Carolyn Roberts Parker; daughter, Sharon Parker Cavnar (Randy) of Decatur; grand-children, Todd Roby of Decatur and Rachel Roby Clark (Jonathan) of Danville; great grand-children, Parker Roby, Lillie Beth Roby, and Ella Clark; several nieces and nephews; two daughters from a previous marriage, Sandra Oliver (Harold) of Moulton, and Barbara Bowling (Conrad) of Hillsboro.

Mr. Parker served his country during WWII in Japan, and was part of the 49th Fighter Group, where he was an airplane mechanic.

He enjoyed his work as a firefighter for the city of Decatur. He retired as a Lieutenant after thirty-four years of service. He was a caring husband of sixty-five years, as well as a devoted father, grand-father, and great grand-father.

Pallbearers will be Todd Roby, Jonathan Clark, Barry Smith, Jay Roberts, Randy Cavnar, and JT Thrasher. Honorary pallbearers will be Parker Roby and retired fire fighters.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Beltline Church of Christ Building Fund, or Hospice of the Valley.

Roselawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.