Howard Virgil Parker

Howard Virgil Parker, age 91, went to meet Jesus face to face on September 8, 2023. Howard was born in Leeds, Alabama as the youngest of 8 children. He married Margaret Sue Hunter in March of 1953 and then started his service in the army from April 1953 to March 1955. They bought a house in Gardendale in 1956. As the family grew and more space was needed, Howard remodeled the house to the extent that now there isn’t a door, floor or window from the original house. He was a great carpenter.

Howard retired from Alabama Power in 1995. After retirement he enjoyed carpentry, working in his garden and in his yard that won the Gardendale Beautification Award.

Howard was the epitome of a loving, devoted husband. He dedicated his time caring for Sue during her 12 years of battling Alzheimer's. It was a beautiful picture of what marriage should be.

Howard was an active member of Hope Community Church (formerly Gardendale Mt Vernon Church). His carpentry and maintenance skills were used to build and repair many projects such as the pulpit currently used in his Sunday School Class. He loved reading the Bible. Every morning after breakfast you would find him in his recliner reading his Bible. When asked how many times he had read through the Bible he stated he had lost count.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Sue Parker. He is survived by his children, Debbie Poland (Gary), Gene Parker (Janet) and Kristi White (Lyndell), three granddaughters, Elyse Kirby (Lance), Julie Parker (Jeb) and Alicyn Poland and one great granddaughter, Kalli Carfrey.

In lieu of flowers, the Howard Parker Memorial was created to provide to two missionaries. Contributions can be sent to Hope Community Church in Gardendale.

A visitation for Howard will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Howard will be laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Gardens, 2100 Moncrief Road, Gardendale, AL 35071-2374.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Parker family.