PARKER, RICHARD CARLYLE (Dick), SR. July 24, 1933 - March 11, 2022 age 88, of South Knoxville, passed away March 11, 2022. Preceded in death by parents William Syms Parker, Sr., mother Dorothy Crutchfield Parker, brother, William S. (Bill) Parker, Jr., brothers in law Max Bolt and Jimmy Anderson.
Survived by wife Sylvia Anderson Parker of 53 years, his love, his caregiver, and the one responsible for a blessed life with the guidance from The Almighty. Sons Richard C. (Nick) Parker, Jr. (Trina), William B. (Ben) Parker (Leanne), three beautiful granddaughters, Grace Ann, Anna Hope, and Katherine (Katie) Shane Parker, sisters-in-law Mrs. Patsy Bolt, Mrs. Sandy Anderson, nephew David Bryan Parker (Teresa).
Dick attended Sevier Heights Baptist Church for over 50 years, was past President of Baby Trojan youth sports program, president of the South Knoxville / Knox County Republican Club, served on the Knox County Board of Equalization for 9 years, Knox County Charter Review Committee, Tennessee Colonel, and loyal member of the infamous “Sunshine Boys.” He was a graduate of the last class of Knoxville High School in 1951. He served in the US Navy from 1952 thru 1956, entering during the Korean conflict. He was a partner with his brother William S. (Bill) Parker, Jr. in operating the Business Review advertising section in the Knoxville News Sentinel, founded by his father William S. Parker, Sr. He was associated with the News Sentinel for 35 years, and the Knox County Property Assessor’s office for 7 years.
Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery, John Sevier Hwy. for services Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 2 pm, Reverend Don Wilson officiating, assisted by life long friend, Mr. Glen Worley. Full military honors will be provided by East Tennessee Volunteer Honor Guard. Dick loved the East TN outdoors his whole life and animals were dear to his heart. When you visited Dick, there would always be a dog nearby. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Young-Williams Animal Shelter will be greatly appreciated. Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Parker family.
“I’m on my way to the Upper Room
With hope that I’ve done my bit.
To rid the world of gloom and doom
With a smile, a little humor, and some wit.”
