Mr. John English Parker Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John English Parker, 78, of Temple Hills, Maryland, passed away on Sunday October 4, 2020 at Southern Maryland Hospital Center. He was born on August 7, 1942 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. John was the ninth of twelve children of Patsy Ellen Forrest Parker and Fred Frank Parker. On June 15, 1968, he married Jeune Carolyn Matthews in Washington, D.C. From this marriage, he became the proud father of their only child, Jeffrey Cordell Parker. John attended Walker-Grant High School in Fredericksburg, VA and graduated in June 1963. He played the position of running back on his high school football team and was affectionately known as “Batman” because of his speed. John enlisted in the United States Army on September 23, 1963, achieving the rank of Sergeant, and is a veteran of the Vietnam War (‘65-’66). John served his military duties with distinction, dedication and bravery. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Commendation Medal. John was honorably discharged from the United States Army on September 20, 1966. He also served in the Army National Guard in the District of Columbia and was honorably discharged on March 21, 1979. From 1966 to 1968, John was employed with the Lincoln Technical Institute. Other employment included working for the Drug Fair Distribution Center from 1969 to 1976 and working for Tenco from 1976 to 1977. John made his career with the Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, retiring on February 29, 2004 after 27 years of civil service. After retiring from NOAA, John pursued his passion for fishing, rooting for the Washington Football Team (formerly the Washington Redskins) and the Virginia Tech Hokies, watching classic movies, and cooking, and he enjoyed exhibiting his collection of football memorabilia. He was an animal-lover who cared deeply for his dogs Patches and Mojo. John was a member of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, MD. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mary Rozina Parker, James Edward Parker, Frederick Douglas Parker, Frances Odessa Parker, Clarence Henry Parker, Leon Rodgers Parker, Van Tyrone Parker, Kate Elizabeth Parker, and Franklin Delano Parker. John leaves to forever cherish his memory a loving wife of 52 years Jeune C. Parker; son Jeffrey C. Parker; granddaughter Gabriella N. Parker; sisters Louise Lewis (Jesse) and Patsy Brooks (Elvis, Sr.); dedicated sister-in-law, Connie Thomas; nephews Kevin Juggins, Sr., David Parker, Samuel Parker, Terrence Parker, Stephen Parker, Elvis Brooks, Jr., Maurice Parker, and Leon Parker, Jr.; nieces Frances Parker, Gwen Rowe, Bobbie Jean Childs, Nicole Gordon, Rona Davis, and Nonie Gunn; and a host of beloved family, friends, and neighbors. Also left to cherish his memory are dear friends Andrew Kelly, Larry Thomas, and Janet Williams.

Mr. John English Parker

August 7, 1942 - October 4, 2020