F. Gilmer Parker

Published 2:05 pm Thursday, August 25, 2016

CARRSVILLE — Our sweet father, Franklin Gilmer Parker, passed away on Aug. 25, 2016, surrounded by family and loved ones.

He was born on Aug. 4, 1930, in Colosse to Florine Rhodes Parker and Claude Thomas Parker.

He graduated from Windsor High School in 1948, and then went to work for St. Regis Paper Company in Franklin, Virginia.

In 1952, he married the love of his life, our mother, Mildred Crowder Parker. The same year, he was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Korea to serve his country. When he returned from the war, he started his 30-year career with Union Bag Paper Company, later known as Union Camp Corporation. He worked in the maintenance department; served as the assistant superintendent of the woodyard; superintendent of the woodyard; and interim operations manager prior to his retirement.

Daddy often spoke of how blessed he was to have lived such a full life. He had a wife that adored him for 55 years. Nothing brought daddy more happiness than being with his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Parker Gwaltney (Steve) of Suffolk, Virginia, and Lisa Parker Little (Joseph) of Colosse. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tina Gwaltney Walters (Clint) of Colosse; Sherry Gwaltney Esch (Matthew) of Charlottesville, Virginia; Bonnie Jo Gwaltney Brashares (Matt) of Charleston, South Carolina; and Parker Wesley Little of Colosse.

“PeePops” adored his seven great-grandchildren, Corinne Walters, Connor Walters, Madeline Esch, Mallory Esch, Joshua Esch, Barrett Brashares and Annabell Brashares.

He is also survived by two brothers, Claude “Tom” Parker (Josie) of Windsor, Virginia, and George T. Parker (Rebecca) of Colosse; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his infant son, Terry Dean Parker.

In recent months, Daddy was most fortunate to be surrounded by a team of wonderful caregivers. They have become a part of our family and will always hold a special place in our hearts for the care, love, joy and laughter they brought to our daddy. These dear people are Regina Crockett, April Artis, Gloria Wiggins and Jennie Hill.

Visitation will be on Sunday afternoon at 1 o’clock in the Fellowship Hall of Colosse Baptist Church, with the memorial service following at 2 o’clock with Rev. Tim Webb officiating. Military honors will be accorded. Interment will be private.

The family will receive friends at his home in Colosse.

Remembrances may be made to Colosse Baptist Church c/o Music Department, 6361 Rhodes Drive, Windsor, VA 23487.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.