Ronald Eugene Parker was born in 1937 in Gainesville, Texas. He was one of fourteen children; seven boys and seven girls. He lived in a two room house with one light bulb in the lowland. Ronald was three years old when a flood came through washing their home away. His oldest brother carried him and one of their younger sisters on his shoulders to high ground where the National Guard had trucks lined up carrying people to safety.
Ronald’s father relocated his family to Bossier City, Louisiana starting his career with The Cotton Belt Railroad. They lived in a house where Ronald grew up on Kelly Street in Old Bossier. He attended school while sacking groceries and stocking shelves at a very early age. He attended Bossier High School and went on to join the U.S. Navy serving four tours of duty on The USS Ajax R-6 in Japan, South Korea, and two in Okinawa
Ronald was a great baseball player and played ball for the Navy. To this day he remains in contact with some of the Japanese ball players. Upon returning home with his new bride, from San Diego, Ronald was hired by the Bossier City Police Department where he retired as a Captain. He then became the Chief Deputy Marshall of Bossier City where he later retired and then went on to serve as Chief of Police at Louisiana State University of Shreveport.
He will be remembered by his family and friends as a man who loved three things most; God, his family, and football. He was an avid LSU fan! Ronald was known as “Coach” to many and was respected and admired. He kept in contact with many of his ballplayers.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Callie Brewer Parker; his children, Steve Parker, DeAnna Parker Robinson, Dudley Parker (wife Kim), Suzette Parker Schaeffer (husband John); his grandchildren, April Parker Wise, Chad Parker, Destiney Parker, Whitney LeGrand, Jordan LeGrand, Tiffany Parker, Taylor Parker Sutton, Brandon Parker, Bailey Parker, Alexa Schaeffer, and Ella Grace Schaeffer; and ten great-grandchildren.
Dad was a wonderful family man and will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family. Ronald was referred to by his grandchildren as “Pappy” and had a very special bond with his granddaughter, Whitney. He was a strong presence in her life and her best friend. Whitney will miss spending time and hearing his laughter.
On behalf of the Parker family we would like to give a special thanks to all of our family and friends during this difficult time.
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22
Dad, we will see you in the morning.
