Barry Parker
Barry W. Parker, 73, a Chattanooga native, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.
Born May 30, 1945, to Julius and Betty Parker, Barry often recalled family trips to the Great Smoky Mountains, a summer backpacking through western Europe, and a stint on a kibbutz in Israel. Barry was a graduate of The McCallie School and Vanderbilt University.
Inspired by his father’s work and his own life experience, Barry embarked on a distinguished career in journalism. As a reporter for the United Press International, Barry chronicled important moments in the civil rights movement in the Deep South and covered the devastation of Hurricane Camille along the Gulf Coast. Barry went on to write for The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC, before returning to Chattanooga to cover notable local events for the News-Free Press.
Barry authored and published several books including The Tennesseans: A People Revisited, which received the Benjamin Franklin award for its depiction of the state’s history and residents. His other writings include the story of the Siskin brothers, a centennial book for The McCallie School, and a history of Neyland Stadium.
As accomplished as he was a writer, Barry was also an avid listener, often remembered by fellow journalists, friends and family for his easy laugh and persistent encouragement. He was humble, gentle, and courageous beyond words.
While other chapters of his life included hiking the Appalachian Trail and adventuring across the globe, Barry found the most joy in the simple pleasures of a walk in nature, reading The New York Times on a quiet Sunday, or going to the playground with his grandchildren.
Barry was preceded in death by his mother and father, Betty and Julius Parker; and his sister, Eleanor Parker Kronenberg.
He is survived by his loving wife, Flossie Weill; brother, Steven (Hollee) Parker of Marietta, GA; sons, Jordan (Rebecca) Parker of Chattanooga and Adam (Carol) Parker of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Aaron and Lilah; stepsons, John (Julia) Shoaf of Nashville and Alex (Christine) Shoaf of Lexington, VA; nieces and nephews, Seth, Eleanor, Dauren, Samantha, and Mindy; as well as dear cousins, treasured friends, and loving neighbors.
The graveside service and burial will take place on Thursday, July 5, at 10 a.m. at Mizpah Cemetery, 301 Collins St., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403. Rabbi Susan Tendler of B’nai Zion Congregation and Rabbi Craig Lewis of Mizpah Congregation will officiate. Afterwards, the family will receive friends during a meal of consolation at Mizpah Congregation, 923 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, Tn. 37403 at 11 a.m. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Thursday, July 5, at 6:30 p.m. at 901 Lindsay Event Center, located at the corner of Lindsay St and ML King Blvd at 901 Lindsay St., Chattanooga, Tn. 37402.
The family would like to thank Dr. Nilesh Patel, Dr. Brooke Daniel, and Carol Ownby for their compassionate and expert care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The BRCA Foundation, The Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area, Inc., B’nai Zion Congregation, Mizpah Congregation or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.