James Doyle Parker

J.D. was a retired General Building Contractor, and a veteran of the United States Army. He was a Mason with the #718 Lodge in Norphlet, a member of the American Legion and retired from the Smackover Volunteer Fire Department. He became a pilot at the age of 45 and owned a private plane. His wife Betty attended ground school with him to be his navigator. Even though Betty could take care of the navigation, she was not always with him, so J.D. might not always land on the runway. One time he landed on the unfinished bypass in Smackover and once in a pasture, but he always landed safely. Every Sunday the private pilots would meet at his hanger for the weekly meeting of the Sunday Caucus.

Preceding him in death are his parents, wife of 70 ½ years, Betty White Parker; and sister, Lorene Parker Swim of Hot Springs.

Survivors include one sister-in-law, Charlotte Edwards (Don) of Cape Girardeau, MO; numerous nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, and many other “adopted” neighborhood children who spent many hours playing on the bag swing zip line, scooter and carpenter toys that “Uncle Doyle” built for them to play on. He repaired bicycles and loaned tools to all in the neighborhood.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Smackover with Dr. Walter Smith officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com