Ernest Roy "Ernie" Parker

Ernie Parker passed away on July 29 after a brief hospitalization and surgery. He was preceded in death by wife Molly, daughter Karen, and grandson Joe. He leaves behind his daughter Sandra Bruce (Tom) and step-daughter Beth Hanson (John), grandchildren Lauren, Brent, Seth, Brennan, and Brooke, step-grandchildren Jodi and Jason, and nephew Bill.

Ernie was born in Covington, Tennessee but lived most of his life in Southern California where he became one of the premier pitching instructors and coaches in softball history. He coached and worked with one team from California which won 9 ASA National Championships. In California and later when he returned to his roots in Tennessee, he instructed many of America’s best young women pitchers and helped them to develop their talents to an extent that many received full scholarships to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the USA. His students achieved All-American status, represented our country in the Olympics, and won College World Series titles and he conducted numerous clinics in the U.S. and abroad.

If Ernie were to return today, he would implore every person to make certain that they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He acknowledged to those he loved that he had asked Jesus to save him and he would want each person to do the same so that Heaven will be their eternal home. The family is especially grateful for Nick, Angie, and Whitley Madison, friends who gave of their time and love to make Ernie’s life and last days much richer.

A memorial service will be held at a future date. Please check the website, battersboxbaseball.com, for details. The family asks that any memorials be sent to the Faith on Mission Fund at 3755 N Germantown Road in Bartlett, Tennessee 38133.