Glenn Richard Parker
January 6, 1933 – November 4, 2017
Glenn Richard Parker was born in Hollister, Florida, on January 6, 1933 to Cecil Ward Parker and Frances Evelyn Parker. Glenn grew up in Branford, Florida, and graduated from Branford High School in 1951. In1953, Glenn joined the Army to serve as a tank driver in the Korean War, and returned in 1955 to live in Gainesville. Soon after returning home he met and fell in love with Bonnie Jean Pearce. They were married on December 16, 1955 and enjoyed 61 years together. In addition to getting married in 1955, Glenn also went to work for Florida Pest Control in Gainesville, and retired after 33 years of employment with them. He also served as a Reserve Deputy for the Alachua County Sherrif’s Department. Glenn passed away on November 4, 2017.
Family and friends were an important part of Glenn’s life. He was known for his passion for all things mechanical, and always had a project or two going in his garage. There was no greater joy for him than to fix something broken and give it new life.
Glenn is survived by his wife Bonnie and their four children: Debbie (Glenn) Jordan of O’Fallon, Illinois; Tom (Sheliah) Parker of Hawthorne, Florida; Gary (Tamera) Parker of Hawthorne, Florida; Rusty (Jeraldine) Parker of Gainesville, Florida. Glenn also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Betty Ward of Keenansville; FL, Mardee Pattison of Satsuma, FL; and Jack Parker of Mims, FL.
Visitation will be at Forest Meadows Funeral Home on Friday, November 10th from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at Forest Meadows Cemetery on Saturday, November 11th at 11:30 AM. In leiu of flowers, the family requests donations to E.T. York Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida.
Uncle Glenn will always be in my heart. When we would be in Gainesville when I was young, the first place we went, after settling in at Grandma Pearce’s, was to Uncle Glen and Aunt Bonnie’s house. They always showed us so much love and treated us as their own. Uncle Glen sure didn’t spare the spankings when I needed then either. But he taught me values, morals, and respect with that discipline, which in turn made me love and appreciate him all the more. When I had questions, he took the time to give me an answer and explain why that was the answer. Uncle Glen has an awesome soul and I look forward to our visits in the afterlife.
Jadzia, Michael, and I are so sorry for your loss! You are in our hearts & thoughts during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers to you and your family …
Sorry for your loss. God bless.
Janice, we appreciate your sweet remembering words. Daddy was always happy to teach any kid that showed up to our house a lesson in his style of tough love if they needed it. He really loved kids, and everyone who grew up with us seems to have fond memories of coming to our house. Thank you for sharing your memories of Daddy.
Special thoughts and prayers for all of the Parker families. So sorry for your loss. While we know Glenn will be deeply missed – cherish the memories. They will give you the most peace and comfort. Time will prove to be the greatest healer of all. And know that you are all surrounded by the love of family and friends during these difficult days ahead. Please accept our sincere condolescences.
‘Will always remember Cecils family making the first trip from Florida to Indiana, Cecil and Glenn drove straight through and they really enjoyed Enos’ homegrown cabbage patch. We all marveled at the ‘southern drawl’ of Cecil’s family. But now our families slowly disappear from generation to generation and the memories
are all that remain.
It’s never easy to say goodbye, but I believe we will meet on the east side of Jordon some day.
Cuz Ken Fowler