Obituary of Robert Allan Parker

Robert “Bob” Allan Parker died unexpectedly on February 13, 2016, at Tri-Star Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee after a brief illness. He was 72. Born in Troy, AL on April 7, 1943 to his parents, C.T. and Carolyn Parker, Bob attended the University of Georgia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1965. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served three years active duty and ten years in the Naval Reserves. During his active duty he served a one year tour in Saigon, Vietnam where he earned several medals including, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars. Bob began his banking career with Trust Company Bank in Atlanta, GA. In 1979, he joined the Citizen Bank, later Regions Bank, in Toccoa, GA where he served as President until his retirement in 2005. During his time in Toccoa, he served his community both professionally and personally through a multitude of civic and philanthropic organizations including, the Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Stephens County Industrial Development Authority, First United Methodist Church, and many others. He briefly emerged from retirement in 2006 to help establish Southern Bank and Trust in Clarkesville, GA. Bob was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman and voracious reader with a particular passion for books regarding Africa. Bob is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan, son and daughter-in-law Robert and Michelle Parker of Aurora, IL, son David of Murfreesboro, TN, and sister, Carol Parker Ross of Pensacola, FL. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, William, Anna, Maison, and Ramsay. He is preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Murfreesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Murfreesboro, TN. A reception will follow at Stones River Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or online at http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/Bobparkermemorial