William “Bill” Ray Parker, 85, of Lewisport, KY, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, Thanksgiving Day in Owensboro, KY, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on Memorial Day, May 30, 1939, in Grandview, Indiana, Bill was the son of John and Geneva Parker. He graduated from Rockport High School in 1957. He spent 23 years living out west where he worked in copper factories and as a mechanic for John Deere. He then returned home to work on the family farm in Grandview. There, he found joy in raising cattle until his retirement in 2012.
On July 27, 1996, Bill proclaimed that he won the jackpot when he married Liz Roberts and they joined families. Together, they shared 28 wonderful years of marriage, filled with countless happy memories and adventures that took them to all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico.
Bill was a kind and hardworking man with a heart full of warmth. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He was particularly fond of Rockport Legion Baseball, Kentucky Wesleyan Basketball and attending Hancock County sporting events.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Liz Parker; children, Travis (Kathy) Parker and Beth Parker; grandchildren, Logan, Brennan, Peyton, Preston, and Parker; sister, Catherine (Jack) Frohbieter; stepchildren, Lizann (Rick) Thompson, Wayne (Debbie) Roberts, Rosemary (David) Emmick, Tommy (Wayne Ann) Roberts, Billy (Kim) Roberts and Laura (Dave) Chapman; and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very grateful to Laura and Rosemary for their unwavering support, and especially Lizann for the weekly Tuesday trips to Owensboro for doctor’s appointments, medicines, lunches and anything else needed.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Scott Parker; daughter, Denise Parker of Wendell Foster; infant granddaughter, Lauren; and parents, John and Geneva Parker.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Columba Church in Lewisport, followed by a memorial service at noon. Burial to follow at Lewisport Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wendell Foster Center, 815 Triplett St., Owensboro, KY 42303.
May Bill’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.