Thomas Jerrell Parker

Thomas Jerrell "T.J." Parker, 65, passed away June 10, 2012. Mr. Parker was born in Leeds, AL and grew up in the Birmingham, AL area. Tom joined the U.S. Air Force in 1964 and served eight years during the Vietnam Era before starting a career with the civil service from which he retired. Mr. Parker and his wife lived and worked many years in the Charleston, SC area where he held numerous offices in the Charleston, SC Mustang Club. He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Sr. and Rosalee Bush Poore; daughter, Staci Janette Parker; and brother, Theodore "Tip" Parker.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ruth "Criquet" Neal Parker; four god-daughters: Shannon (Dan) Cummins of KY, Lyndsey (Jacob) Reinert of KY, Shannon (Joe) Donnelly of WA, and Anjanette Neale of SC; two brothers: Phillip Jerry "P.J." (Faye) Parker of AL, and Jimmie Lee "Jim" (Freeda) Parker of GA; sister, Billie Jo Martin of AL; special friend, J.H. Nelms; numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 7:00 P.M. Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Holston Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Ketron officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by Highlands Honor Guard and the Virginia National Guard.

Visitation with the family will be 6:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the church just prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Holston Valley Baptist Church Building Fund, 18396 Cleveland Road, Abingdon, VA, 24211, in Mr. Parker's name.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.

The Parker family is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.