Mr. Thomas Parker

PARKER, Thomas Gibbons, age 89 of Franklin, passed away at his home on March 20, 2013. Thomas was preceded in death by parents, Thomas Davis and Nellie Mae Gibbons Parker; sisters, Christine Parker Cage, Catherine Parker Sutton and Lillie Parker Plavich and his wife Lillie Christine (Peggy) Jenkins Parker. They shared a true love story for 64 years and he provided incredible, loving care when she was ill. He is survived by 4 children Linda Parker (Michael) O'Neal, Thomas Jenkins (Susan) Parker, Patrick Gibbons (Tammy) Parker, Cindy Parker (Rick) Brown; 12 grandchildren Amber Parker (John) Pierce, Thomas S. (Katie), Justin, Chris (Kristen), Patrick, Daniel, Andrew, and Paige Parker, Sarah O'Neal (Paul) Flanigen, Lauren Christine Brown (Derek) Smith, Parker and Davis Brown; 10 great grandchildren, Lily, Ryan, Johno, Anna and Jody Pierce, Farris, Cook, Mason and Maggie Parker, and Lillie Smith; 8 nieces and nephews; 7 great nieces and nephews; additional extended family and in-laws. A native Nashvillian, Mr. Parker was a member of Forest Home Church in Franklin. He graduated from Father Ryan High School as salutatorian of the Class of 1941 and served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater in World War II in Company G, 309th Infantry, 78th Division. He was the recipient of the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart, as he was wounded in battle after crossing the Rhine River into Germany when the allies captured the Ludendorf Bridge at Remagen. He worked 45 years for Greyhound Lines where he held various management positions until his retirement as Southeast Regional Marketing Director in 1986. After retirement, Thomas and Peggy enjoyed traveling and traveled extensively. Thomas was an outstanding athlete himself, and made the all-tournament team in the fast pitch softball world series when he was 16 and was offered but declined a professional baseball contract at 17. He beat state champions in both horseshoes and ping pong, and was an outstanding bowler. He enjoyed all sports and the outdoors and was an avid hunter and golfer with a hole in one at McCabe. He loved watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren play more than a thousand games. He was a beloved Dad and PawPaw and a blessing to all his family and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed! Tommy Daniel will preside over the celebration of his life at 1:30PM on Sunday, March 24 in the chapel of Williamson Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday from 3-7PM Saturday and 12 Noon until service time on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203, Forest Home Church, or the charity of your choice. Pallbearers are the Grandsons. Interment to follow at Jenkins Family Cemetery in Lyles, TN. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 3009 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN, 615-494-2289, www.williamsonmemorial.com.

Visitation Details

Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 3:00pm - 7:00pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Sunday, March 24th, 2013 12:00pm - 1:30pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Service Information

Sunday, March 24th, 2013 1:30pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Interment Details

Jenkins Family Cemetery