Lawrence Allen Parker

Lawrence Allen Parker of 59 Houston Hills Lane, Woodbury, died Saturday, October 9, 2010, just 10 days before his 84th birthday after an extended struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born October 19, 1926, Lawrence was a native and lifelong resident of Cannon County. He was the son of the late Dewey and Fannie Morgan Parker and he grew up in the Parker Hill community.

A veteran of the United States Army, Lawrence was aboard ship in route to Japan when the peace treaty with that nation was signed. He served in the Officer's Chauffer Corps in Japan during the year immediately following World War II.

Upon returning from the service, Lawrence began a career with Woodbury Manufacturing (later Colonial Corporation) which spanned almost 44 years. For most of those years he served as manager of the shipping department.

Cherished husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather; avid gardener, woodworker, and domino player; faithful Christian and active member of the Simmons Chapel Free Methodist Church, Lawrence loved life and the God from which it comes.

Preceded in death by four sisters, Clara Me Basham, Olean (Lloyd) Reed, Irene (Floyd) Reed and Geneva Parker, Lawrence is survived by his devoted with of 61 years, Juanita Wilson Parker; 1 daughter, Sharon Fran Hoyer of Knoxville, TN; 2 sons, Roger Alan Parker and wife Rachel of Woodbury, TN, and Mark Wilson Parker and wife Dawn of Franklin, KY; 5 grandchildren, Charity Parker Lynch of Woodbury, TN, Christy Leigh Hoyer of Knoxville, TN, Heather Hoyer Davis of Maryville, TN, Mark Wilson Parker, II of Charlottesville, VA, and Clifford Seth Parker of Nashville, TN. Brother-in-law, James Basham of Woodbury.

Lawrence is also survived by 3 Great Grandchildren: Talan and Max Lynch, and Molly Jane Davis; lifelong friends, Clyde and Lou Basham, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 12 at Simmons Chapel Free Methodist Church with Bro. Al Buckta and Bro. Scott Clark officiating with burial to follow at Parker Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Woodbury Funeral Home and Tuesday at the church from 9 a.m. until time of service.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Don Duke, Clyde and James Basham, Carl Underwood, Billy Thomas and James Vance.