Bill Parker
William "Bill" Lester Parker, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday December 8, 2018.
He was born on Feb. 28, 1938, in Prentiss, Ms., to Robert Huling Parker and Margaret Elaine Sartin Parker. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Huling Parker and his first wife, Maureen Eichelberger Parker.
Bill was a pilot and captain in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1966. He was air craft carrier qualified and multi licensed in both rotor and fixed wing aircraft. He flew helicopters in Vietnam and for corporate and industrial operations after the war. He was a special agent for the US Treasury Department criminal investigation division from 1969 to 1982 where he received multiple commendations from the U.S. Marshall’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service. He was a tax preparer and financial consultant for 20 years. He was also administrator at First Centenary United Methodist Church. He was a decorated marksman, avid sportsman and little league coach. He was a 40-year member of the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga where he served as deacon and chairman of the Finance and Deacon Council Committees.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Bennet Parker, three children, Terry Parker (Chia-Huei), Michelle O’Neil (Steve) and Stacie Steel (Robert), two stepdaughters, Tisha Bennett and Stacie Helton and 10 grandchildren: Cassius and Atticus Parker, Parker Byrd, Edward and Lyles O’Neil, Maureen and Huling Steel, Samantha Kate Helton and Taye and Andrew Bennett.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at First Baptist Church, 401 Gateway Ave.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service until 4:30 p.m. There will be a private burial service at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or First Baptist Church of Chattanooga.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.