Ralph J. Parker (1931-2017)

Services for Ralph J. Parker, 85, of Fruitvale were scheduled for 2 PM Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at the Eubank Funeral Chapel in Canton with Bro. Homer Morgan and Eugene Parker officiating. Interment will be in Barrett Cemetery.

Ralph passed away August 4 at Baylor hospital in Dallas due to an accidental fall at his home August 2nd. He was born September 1, 1931 in Fruitvale to Lannie and Connie Junell Parker.

Ralph served as a deacon for more than 50 years and was a member of the Lawrence Springs Missionary Baptist Church. He married Iva Nell King on August 15, 1952. He served as an MP in the US Army during the Korean War. Over the years he was a farmer, rancher, barber, rural mail carrier, and a quality control inspector for Texas Instruments. He was known locally for his scrumptious candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato pies, and pecan pies.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: G.W. “Dub”, Hayward, and Reber Windell Parker; three sisters: Dora Beatrice Whitaker, Maggie Virginia “Jinks” Parker, and Johanna Fay Nicholson; two granddaughters: Rheaona Williams Scott and Rachelle Williams Love; great-grandson: Jacob Love; and son-in-law Jerry Koonce.

Ralph is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Iva Nell Parker of Fruitvale; sons: Douglas Parker and Mitzi Fisher, and Eugene and Vicki Parker, both of Grand Saline; daughter: Barbara Parker Koonce of Grand Prairie; six grandchildren: 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Brandon Kindle, Jesse Love, Michael Moran, Doug Parker, Riley Parker, Willie Parker, and Michael Scott, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are S.B. “Tooter” Burrow, Bill Cochran, Jimmy Fisher, David Hazel, Derrell King, Troy King, Roy Lee LaPrade, Doyle Milliorn, Charles Parker, and Gerald Sizemore.

Visitation were 6-8 PM Monday at the funeral home. Visit www.eubankfh.com to sign the online guestbook.