John Edward Parker

John E. Parker, 65, of Highland View, FL, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2012 in Apalachicola, FL as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 14, 2012 from the graveside at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mr. Parker served in the US Air Force, and trained in Hurlbut Field in Fort Walton Beach, FL. He served in Vietnam where he was awarded the Special Weapons Load Medal, Air Combat Award, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Wing Citation, and numerous other awards, totaling 14. He held the rank of SSgt., and turned down promotions to Tech Sgt. to return home for early discharge in 1970. He was very active in the John C. Gainous Post 10069, Veterans of Foreign Wars and also the American Legion. He was also involved in community activities. He attended South Georgia Technical College as a student in automotive and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He also earned a degree from Georgia Southwestern College. He served as an automotive instructor at South Georgia Tech for 24 years, and was Advisor of the Year while teaching there. Mr. Parker collected antique cars, loved antique car shows, and fishing and was an avid outdoorsman. He was preceded in death by his father, "Doc", in 1980. His mother, Agnes Hansen Parker, died shortly following him. Survivors include his sister, Carol Wilcox and husband Monte of Leesburg, GA; his niece, Cheryl Wilcox Laurent; his nephews, Monte Wilcox, Jr., and Marshall R. Wilcox; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Elizabeth Small, Jennifer Hansen, Amelia Hansen, Michael Wilcox, Christopher Wilcox, Madison Wilcox, Kaitlyn Wilcox, and Macy Jade Wilcox; three great-great-nieces and nephews, Parker John Small, Porter Imes, and Peyton Imes; a cousin, Barbara Hansen Bruce; and special friends, Clifton and Peggy Osborne. Those who wish may make donations to Forgotten Coast Wounded Warriors, P. O. Box 1022, Port Saint Joe, FL, 32457. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.