Danny Parker
Daniel "Danny" Millard Parker, 64, died on July 30, 2013.
Danny was born February 6, 1949 in Cleveland, Tennessee. He grew up in Big Springs Baptist Church and had recently reaffirmed his faith in Christ.
Danny graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1967; during high school he worked at M. C. Headrick’s grocery store. In 1968, Danny joined the United States Navy and served more than 23 years total in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserves. After his first 12 years of service, Danny qualified for and was awarded gold service stripes, indicating that throughout his service he had met all good conduct requirements, which he maintained for the duration of his naval career. He was also awarded several medals of commendation.
Danny served in the South China Seas and in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Later, he served in the Persian Gulf during the First Gulf War. During his time in the Navy, Danny worked primarily as a diesel mechanic and was given the nickname “Diesel Dan.” He served on naval riverboats, submarines, and aircraft carriers, including the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa. He completed tours of duty in the Philippines, Okinawa, Bahrain, and other parts of the Far East and Middle East. Of all the places where Danny was stationed, he loved the San Diego area best.
During his time in the Naval Reserves, Danny lived in Cleveland and worked at Red Food Store and Custom Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Also, he worked with his father, Aud Parker, and his brother, Dennis Parker, in the Parker Construction Company and, for several years, he did landscaping work with his brother, Ronnie Parker. Danny completed two years of college at Cleveland State Community College. Danny loved classic sports cars and was a big fan of westerns. He was a NASCAR fan and also enjoyed restoring old automobiles. He was a kind-hearted person who loved to talk and enjoyed his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Aud H. Parker, and his younger brother, James David Parker.
He is survived by his mother, Lela Ruth Parker, two brothers, Ronnie Parker and his wife Mary, and Dennis Parker and his wife Janis, and two sisters, Wilma Parker and Aulma Parker. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Dee (& Tonya) Parker, Greta Parker, Lynne (& Scott) Cline, Holly Gobble, Greg (& Jennifer) Parker, Chris (& Cindy) Parker, Eric Parker, Mitchell (& Stephanie) Parker, and Stephanie R. Parker, as well as several great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, in the chapel of the Ralph Buckner Funeral home with Pastor Sammy Hooker officiating. Internment will be at the Mt. Olive Cemetery with military honors. Dee Parker, Scott Cline, Greg Parker, Chris Parker, Eric Parker and Mitchell Parker will serve as pallbearers. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony.
The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2.
The family suggests that memorials be made to your local church or your favorite charity.
We invite you send a message of condolence and view the Parker family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.