Willie A. Parker

Willie A. Parker, 75, of Defiance, Ohio passed this life at 5:10am on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at his residence with his family by his side.  

Willie was born December 18, 1946, in Natchez, Mississippi.  The son of Willie and Wilhelmina (Parker) James.  Willie married Phyllis (Coleman) Parker in 1967, she survives.  He later married Madeline (Tims) Parker on November 15, 1986, in Daville, Illinois.  She proceeds him in death.  Willie was an avid sports fan and loved the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, and the Fighting Illini.  Willie enjoyed listening to the blues and watching Westerns.  He was a faithful member of the Elks Lodge 147 in Danville, Illinois.

Willie was a graduate of Sadie D. Thompson High School in Natchez, Mississippi.  He enlisted in the US Air Force immediately following high school and served his country from 1965 to 1969.   He was formerly employed with General Motors in Danville, Illinois where he worked for 30 years and later transferred to PowerTrain in Defiance, Ohio where he retired after having worked a total of 45 years.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory, two sons, Terrance Parker of Danville, Illinois, Travis (Markesha) Parker of Danville, Illinois, four daughters, Sandra Myles of Natchez, Mississippi, Dayna (Dennis) Robinson of Danville, Illinois, Erika (David) Jones of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Shaundra Tims of Toledo, Ohio;  one brother Robert Lee (Gloria) James of Natchez, Mississippi, four sisters, Ella Hayes of Natchez, Mississippi, Mary (Joseph) King of New Orleans, Louisiana, Barbara Jean (Richard) Alexandria of Natchez, Mississippi, Elmira Fleming of Natchez, Mississippi, and one sister in law, Marie Bass of Natchez, Mississippi.  Willie had twenty-one grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, special friends Curtis Helton, Albert Coleman, James Coleman, and caretaker Linda McCall.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother, Sydney Bass, and one sister, Elizabeth Conner.

Willie’s favorite quote was, “Must be a recess in heaven, baby.”

A Celebration of life will commence at 12:00 Noon on Monday May 2, 2022 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St., Danville. Officiating Pastor Tommie Reed. A visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow after at Danville National Cemetery.

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