William Alton Parker

William A. Parker (Bill), passed away at the age of 78 on January 14, 2025, peacefully at his home, with his wife Bernita Bell-Parker by his side. Bernita Bell and William Parker were united in marriage on May 19, 2003. Bill was born June 29, 1946, in Kewanne, MO, to the late Harvey Parker and Maggie May Manning.

Bill was of the Christian faith and a member of GFFWC for 21 years. Bill graduated from LHS, Lilborn, Mo. in 1965, and later went to college in Arkansas to study theology. It quickly became obvious that Bill loved to work.

For a short period after college, he became a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., and then started his long career in logistics. He worked his way up in management and became corporate manager of UPS. He also worked in logistics for Carrier Express, Fedex, and Greyhound. He later worked jobs such as satellite installation, construction, and painted commercial buildings.

When Bill retired, he was always keeping himself busy with new daily projects. Some things he did in this time frame included making and selling metal craft figurines, and he also put in a laundry mat. There was no retiring for Bill.

Bill, loved life, and enjoyed getting to know people. He loved his family, his sons and his grandchildren. He was the most caring and giving person and would help anyone.

Every day he asked about his grandchildren. He wanted to know every day if they were all okay. He enjoyed and loved his pet Boston Terrier “Penny”.

He is survived by his wife: Bernita Bell-Parker; children: Jason (Julie) Bell, Justin (Gretchen) Bell, Bryan Parker, Billy (Katherine) Parker of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Christi (David) Morrison of South Carolina, Jeff Harper; brother-in-law: Harry (Carolyn) Lewis of Nixa Missouri; nephew: Bradley (Ladonna) Parker; twelve grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents: Harvey Parker and Maggie May Parker; brothers and sisters: Harvey Jr., Russell, Eddie, Sherman, Joe, Alice, Illa, Laverne, Juanita, Christine, and Bonnie. Bill was #11 of 12 children and the last one to pass away.

We will all miss him dearly. There are no words to express our love for “Bill” William Parker and our loss. Rest in peace, no more pain, you have a new body.

Services will be held at Grace Fellowship Church, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral service will start at 1:00 pm with a graveside service to follow at 3:00 pm at Mounds Cemetery, New Madrid, Mo.

Pallbearers: Alec Bell, Nolan Bell, Bryce Bell, Ethan, Harry, Julie and Jason.

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