Charles Ray Parker

Charles Ray Parker, age 90, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away Monday, September 12, 2022. He and his twin sister, Lillian, were born at home in the little town of Meeks, Texas on March 30, 1932. He grew up on a farm in a large family. At the age of 3, Charles began helping his dad work on cars by handing him tools. When he was very young, he would walk over 10 miles to the town of Cameron to pay on his own account at White’s Auto every Saturday. At the age of eleven, he got an old lawn mower engine and mounted it on his bicycle so he could ride into town.

He married Dorothy Lee Gunnels on December 23, 1950, in Cameron, Texas. They had met in a cotton field. He wanted to be a farmer but decided to move with his wife to the city of Temple, Texas after finding work at the American Desk Manufacturing Company. Later, he moved his wife and 2 small children from Temple to Fort Worth, Texas looking for better means to support his family.

Charles worked for many years at A. Brandt Furniture Company, in Fort Worth, making furniture while working on cars on the side, supplementing his income to take care of his growing family. With the help of his wife, he managed to save enough to open his own business, Parkers Auto Services, Inc. For 43 years, he worked along side of his son, Charlie, and it is still in operation.

Charles loved working on cars and had a passion for racing cars and motorcycles for which he won many trophies.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy and daughter, Gloria.

He is survived by his children, Dorothy Jean Blakley (Johnnie), Ruby Ann Wackler (Armin), Charles Lee Parker (Susan), Karen Lea Parker; 9 Grandchildren; 13 Great Grandchildren; 4 Great Great Grandchildren; and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Memorials are suggested to Christian Appalachian Project.