On Friday, May 8, 2020, Gene Allen Parker, loving husband and father of six children passed away at age 78.
Gene was born the youngest of two children on December 14, 1941 in Fayetteville, AR to Virgil and Lula (Head) Parker. Gene was raised in Springdale, Arkansas where he attended Springdale schools and sacrificed completing his high school education to begin working to support the family. Gene was a self-made man who became a truck driver and traveled the country for over 40 years. He became known by hundreds of fellow drivers and friends as “Effy” and “Hog Caller”. Over his career he drove for Steele Canning Company, Jones Truck Lines, Yellow and finished his career with ABF.
Gene never met a stranger and loved to hear people’s stories and share with others about his kids and grandkids. He had a kind and compassionate spirit and always had a hug waiting for anyone who would take it. He loved a good chew and chocolate milk. Gene was baptized at the First Christian Church in Springdale, AR.
Gene married Lucy Evelyne Drummond on October 25, 1991. During their 28 years of marriage they enjoyed time with their family and friends and were always ready for a trip to the casino.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joann Jung; his son-in-law, Rick Reedy; a niece, Karen Hurbrough; and a nephew, Mike Jung.
Left to celebrate his life is his wife, Evelyne; and beloved children: Jason Parker (Casey) of Springdale, Arkansas, Jeremy Parker (April) of Harrison, Arkansas, Josh Parker of Mount Vernon, Ohio, Karla Reedy of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Glenn Marston (Della) of Sallisaw, Oklahoma and Julie Marston Roark of Springdale, Arkansas; 15 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of friends.
You may visit Gene Parker at Beard’s Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 from 4:30- 7 PM. The family will greet friends during that time.
A graveside celebration of life is planned for Thursday May, 14, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Bidville Cemetery in Bidville, AR.
Honorary pallbearers are Donnie Lee, Jerry Reed, Larry Savage, Ron Ferguson, Dudley Holmes, Roy Roles, Jim Burnett, Carl Holman, Bill Lane, Utah McClockin, Teddy Drummond, Joey Farriester, Glenn Marston and Houston Casey.
My heart is sad to hear that Uncle Gene has past. He was so cool an uncle coming to Florida in his rig and parking it where we kids could get in and honk the horn when cars went by. Years later, the last I saw him was in Texas when we visited my sister and her family. We got to see him and Evelyne as they past through. We went shopping at Lowe’s or Home Depot. He will be missed. Mom and he are together now. Prayers for his family.
My condolences to the family. May you find peace in knowing he had a good life and a great family.
Parker always had a good story , and he loved to tell them . He was a very sweet guy, and loved to laugh .
Gene was a good friend! We will be praying for the family during this difficult time.
Prayers for Mr, Parker and his family. Mr Parker was always very kind and really enjoyed a good laugh. May he be at peace with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
May God’s Holy Spirit give peace and comfort to Gene’s dear wife and family during this time of grief and loss. Gene and I played together as neighborhood young friends and we attended most school years together. I treasure the memories of our times together. I will never forget the time he and I poured many gallons of water down a rat hole and then killed the rats as they came out…the fun little boys can find to do. He was a good friend.
I am so very sorry for the loss of Gene, he and his family were our neighbors for years. They lived on Johnson Street and we lived on Harris Street. I loved his mother to pieces. She made the best peach cobble any one ever tasted and was a very hard worker. Gene was a different kind of guy back in those days. He always seemed shy. He didn’t like mowing the lawn with the old time push mower. He will be missed. For his family I am truly sorry and my thoughts and prayers will be with all of you in the days ahead.
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sorry Lucy
Pat Thompson