Gary Jay Parker, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 30, 2021 after a quick and aggressive battle with brain cancer. He was born on December 17, 1951 in Logansport, Indiana. In 1969, Gary graduated from Wolfson High School, where he ran long distance track and played basketball. He would often skip school to go surfing. He managed the A & P Grocery Stores for several years, until he was robbed at gunpoint. From there, Gary went on to work for Anheuser-Busch in the bottle shop and brewing, where he retired 35 years later. He enjoyed reading and yard work. Gary was an avid tennis player, until he discovered golf. Gary never met a stranger. He loved telling stories and jokes, laughing the whole time as he would try and get his words out.
Gary is beloved and survived by his wife of 49 years, Bernice McCallum Parker and two daughters, Amanda Sleiman (Brandon) and Christine Parker. He was blessed with two grandsons, Parker and Nolan Sleiman.
The family would like to give a special thank you to everyone who came to visit in his last weeks. You all made these days happy for him. He looked forward to knowing you were coming and would always ask "who is coming tomorrow?" Gary loved his family and friends dearly.
Please join us for a celebration of Gary's life on Saturday May 8, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at his home.
Arrangements under the care of Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1203 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.