Barry W. Parker, 73, a Chattanooga native, author, and newsman, died on Tuesday at his home on Lookout Mountain.
Born May 30, 1945, to Julius and Betty Parker, he enjoyed a summer backpacking through western Europe, and a stint on a kibbutz in Israel. He was a graduate of The McCallie School and Vanderbilt University.
Inspired by his father’s work and his own life experience, Mr. Parker embarked on a distinguished career in journalism. As a reporter for the United Press International, he chronicled important moments in the civil rights movement in the Deep South and covered the devastation of Hurricane Camille along the Gulf Coast.
He 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.
His father, Julius Parker, was the longtime city editor and columnist for the News-Free Press.
Mr. Parker 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.
The graveside service and burial will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Mizpah Cemetery, 301 Collins St. 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 Ave. at 11 a.m.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 901 Lindsay Event Center, at the corner of Lindsay Street and ML King Boulevard at 901 Lindsay St.
See his full obituary in Obituaries.