Carl Shallies Parker

Funeral services for Carl Shallies Parker, 67, of Longview, will be 4 PM Wednesday, October 10, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home, Longview, with Mr. Joe Hancock officiating. Interment will follow in Gum Springs Cemetery, Harrison County, Texas. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, October 9, from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Carl Parker was born December 19, 1944 in Rochester, New York. He passed away October 7, 2012 in a Longview hospital. Carl's family moved to Longview in 1950. He started out as an entrepreneur and carried it out through his entire life. He began his own lawn care service at the age of 15, his mother had to drive him to numerous large businesses in the area, so he could push mow their lawns. He graduated from Longview High School in 1963. He worked at the Longview YMCA and transferred to the downtown Dallas center soon after graduation. Carl started his career as a salesman with Powerlift in Dallas. In 1972 he transferred to East Texas Clarklift in Longview and eventually became the owner. Carl had several other jobs as a salesman and finally landed at Great American Coil in White Oak, Texas. Once again he started as a salesman and semi-retired as co-owner. Carl was very patriotic. He regretted never serving in the military because of health issues; however, he was respectful of all branches and those who served our country. Carl was a man of wonderful integrity, very driven, yet had a great sense of humor. He could often be heard singing Christmas carols in July, He had a unique love of people and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents Bessie C. Parker and J Henry Shallies Parker. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 47 years, Barbara Bullock Parker, his adoring sister Ellen Parker Wright Bruce Harvey, and his loving daughters Debra Parker Kyle Jenkins and Laura Jasper Tracy. His doting grandchildren are Michael Peables Amanda, Brittany Peables, and Saylor Jasper. Recently he was blessed with a great grandson, Ryan Peables. He was cherished by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a host of friends. His beloved pets included Zach, Susie and Molly. If desired donations may be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranchwww.calfarley.org or Wounded Warriors Projectwww.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Carl Shallies Parker

December 19, 1944 - October 7, 2012