Jerry Lee Parker, Sr., 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 10, 2023.
Jerry is survived by his daughter Pamela Parker Myers and her husband Bill, and son Jerry (“J”) L. Parker, Jr. and his wife Jennifer; granddaughter Alison Parker Dillehay and her husband Joseph; grandson Bill “Ivan” Myers III and his wife Kayla, and his step-granddaughter Tiffany Myers Barham and her family. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Francis “Frank” Parker, and his sister Royce Parker Nichols and her husband Doug, and both their families.
Jerry is also survived by countless adored cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Roy J. Parker and Evelyn C. Adams Parker, sisters-in-law Ila Enzor Campbell and Janice Parker, cousin Melvin Otis, and beloved nephews Ferrin Campbell, Jr., William “Willie” Enzor Campbell, and Parke Nichols.
Jerry was born on February 20, 1932 to Roy and Evelyn Parker at Enzor Brothers Hospital in Crestview, Florida. He grew up in and around his father’s automotive garage, and enjoyed being the eldest of three.
In high school, Jerry played football as a running back all four years. The 1949 conference championship team was featured in the local newspaper in a 2016 retrospective. At his high school graduation dance, Jerry danced with his future wife, Pat Enzor, for most of the evening.
After graduating from Crestview High School in 1950, Jerry attended Florida State University, majoring in Real Estate and Insurance. At FSU, he was a member of the FSU Flying High Circus, where he served as a trapeze artist. He also enjoyed Greek life as a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Shortly after his graduation from FSU, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Pat, on June 30, 1954.
In the Air Force, Jerry entered the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant due to his collegiate ROTC experience. While enlisted, he flew B-36 “Peacemaker” strategic bombers. He served in the Strategic Air Command under the leadership of the renowned General Curtis LeMay.
Jerry’s faith was always an important part of his life. In his adult life, he was a faithful member of Woodlawn Baptist Church, where he attended since the late 1960s. He served in various capacities, including Sunday School Superintendent and on the Board of Deacons. He adored his Sunday School class.
While Jerry and Pat spent the large majority of their lives in Crestview, Jerry’s Air Force service took them to sojourns at several bases, including those in San Antonio, Texas; Columbus, Mississippi; Big Spring, Texas; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico.
In 1961, Jerry opened Okaloosa Insurance Agency. He stridently aimed to maintain integrity throughout his business relationships, and sought to exact fairness and equity for those he served. He was conscientious and hardworking, he went into the office nearly 7 days a week until he sold the business in 2010.
While Jerry spent most of his career working with Pat at their family business, Okaloosa Insurance Agency, he had a coterie of other interesting jobs. Besides his insurance license, Jerry also had a Real Estate Broker and an appraiser license. He even received a commendation from the Florida Governor at the time for his appraisal work on the multi-county eminent domain property for the I-10 passthrough.
He valued the community and served as a civic leader in many capacities. He served as President of the Crestview Chamber of Commerce, President of the Crestview Area Board of Realtors, and as a Director of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.
If you knew Jerry, you knew he had a jocular personality and was known as the family raconteur. He was quick to tell a joke or relay a funny anecdote. By the time he became a grandfather, he had mastered the art of storytelling. He was also a fan of moderation. While he ran wind sprints well into his 70s, he also heartily loved a slice of cake or scoop of vanilla (and only vanilla) ice cream — or even better, both.
Prior to Pat’s death on December 9, 2020, Jerry and Pat spent 66 years together as husband and wife. Their special bond truly exemplified enduring love, and served as a great example for their family.
Above all, Jerry will be remembered as the family’s coach, counselor, workhorse, and business manager all in one. He was a loving father, warm grandfather, loyal friend and confidant. He was the bulwark of the family, and he will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17, 2023. Brackney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Rhett Cadenhead
May 14, 2023, 5:37 pm
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult. As you know your Dad was a friend of mine .Take care & we will see you soon.
Brian
May 15, 2023, 12:41 am
My thoughts and prayers to everyone, Jerry was a wonderful person.
Dennis Love
May 15, 2023, 7:00 pm
Pam,
For many years I saw your dad in his yard as I jogged past. We exchanged friendly greetings and he usually had a humorous remark to brighten my day. Before he retired, he would also wave at Pat as she was out for her evening walk. One day he stopped the car and said, “I’ve waved at you for years but don’t know your name.” He introduced himself and from then on when they waved, they knew each other! ☺️
Up until recently, he was still walking in his yard (although with a walker) because you arrived regularly each afternoon to take him for a stroll. Your devotion was evident and steadfast.
Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Pam Carroll
May 15, 2023, 7:53 pm
My deepest condolences to you all. Mr. Parker was such a wonderful man to me in my childhood having Pam as one of my best friends. He will surely be missed. Praying for Pam and the whole family for peace and comfort.
Linda Richards
May 15, 2023, 8:00 pm
My thoughts are with the family. Your daddy and mother was very special to us
Ann Chessher Tye
May 16, 2023, 5:36 am
Ann Chessher Tye
So sorry to hear of Mr. Jerry’s passing. Loved both he and Ms. Pat. I’ve known them my entire life.
My thoughts and prayers to all their family and other friends.
Danny Bowers, Sr
May 16, 2023, 2:04 pm
The neighborhood will not be the same. He was a wonderful neighbor for 40+ years. So good to my grandsons to let them fish in the pond behind his house. May God receive him with open arms.
Sheila Blackerby Gerdine
May 17, 2023, 2:08 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Parker family. With deepest sympathy,
Betsy Blackerby
Sheila Blackerby Gerdine
Paul Scott Blackerby
Steve Blackerby
Sheila Blackerby Gerdine
May 17, 2023, 2:26 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Parker family. With deepest sympathy,
Betsy Blackerby
Sheila Blackerby Gerdine
Paul Scott Blackerby
Laurel Blackerby
Colin and Frances Martin
May 18, 2023, 1:55 am
The Parker Family – The service planned by you to pay tribute to the memory of Jerry was most appropriate. Your love and gratitude to him was very evident. The end of one generation is always difficult, but have a strong legacy to follow. Blessings to all of you. Colin and Frances Martin
Colin Martin
May 18, 2023, 2:00 am
The service planned to pay tribute to the memory of Jerry was most appropriate. Your love and gratitude to him was very evident. Blessings to all of you.
Dannette Finley
May 19, 2023, 5:41 pm
I have always thought the world of both Mr and Mrs Parker. My mom (Deloris Medley) was a single parent and they were always supportive and encouraging of her. They also extended that to us kids and always made us feel loved. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to be there for either funeral. They were both amazing people.
Ann Black (Bryan)
May 20, 2023, 10:56 pm
Condolences to Jerry’s family. I worked for him many years ago in the 1960’s and learned so much from him. God’s blessings to the entire family.