Edward Angell Parker Sr

Rooted in his faith… We are told that the Good Lord does not have us bear more than we can handle, but at times like these I humbly wonder if he has overestimated our abilities. I find myself struggling to find the words that could possibly measure up to what kind of person Ed Parker truly was to all of us. Many who knew and loved Ed Parker came back to his deeply held faith in God in explaining the exceptional person he was. Ed reflected the brilliant radiance of Christ. Each facet of his sparkling life shone brightly into everything he held dear. We are told in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.” If there is one word to describe Ed Parker, it was love. Family, old friendships, new friendships, cooking, watching, talking about, and cheering on his beloved Florida Gators…each was met with love, joy, excellence and ensuring everyone involved felt seen, known, and loved. Ed’s life was given and taken so that more of us will believe, be saved, and turn to Jesus Christ. Ed was not perfect, but he never claimed to be. What made Ed so rare and why he will be so dearly missed was his humbleness in faith, good-natured kindness, and genuine care for others, no matter who they were. He was slow to anger, quick to help a family or friend, concerned more about others than his own self, loyal and forgiving. He lived the Christian life in his daily actions not just his words. Ed encouraged and allowed each person that he met to be the best version of themselves. He would often explain the importance of tending your life well and for His glory. Ed had a kind smile, gentle spirit, was servant-hearted, and was easy to love. Everything was just better when Ed was involved. He still holds that place, and you will find that he will continue to emanate whispers from heaven of that same joy and happiness. The pain that we all feel is from a loss that is incomprehensible. We miss his laugh, his smile…we miss him. He has been reunited in heaven’s glory with an immense number of loved ones to welcome him, including his best girl and love of his life, Patty Parker, who was surely first in a line of a parade of loved ones to welcome him. Ed’s strength of spirit taught us and never failed us all our lives and he still exemplified this even in his final hours. Our memories with him are priceless, countless, humbling, soulful, and even hilarious. He set a truly perfect example of carving out time for those he loved. We will never know how he did it, but he was also there to meet us right when we needed him. To spend our lifetime trying to live out what he taught is the charge for the rest of us who remain: Eddie Parker, son (Tibra): Michael Parker, son; Chad, son (Crystal); Trey Parker (Katelyn), Harrison Parker, Hatch Parker, Chelsea Parker, Kieran Parker, and Doss Parker, grandchildren, Martha Brown, sister (Bill); Buddy Parker, brother, (Frankie); Gayle Cherryhomes, sister-in-law; and Ann Parker, sister-in-law.

Edward Angell Parker Sr

March 22, 1939 - October 26, 2024