Dr. Robert H. Parker, age 75 and a resident of Coosada, Alabama, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2016.
Dr Parker served his country in the the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR). In 1969, after his active military service, Dr. Parker earned his Doctorate of Veterinarian Medicine from Auburn University. In 1980 he founded the Ark Animal Clinic in Millbrook, Alabama.
In retirement he spent his time growing and managing trees at his farm and was an active member of Alabama Treasure Forest Assosciation. In 2005 he received the Helene Mosley Memorial Treasure Forest Award. An annual award to recognize the most outstanding Treasure Forrest in Alabama. Especially with respect to the educational values and use. In 2014 Dr. Parker was named Tree Farmer of the Year.
After Dr. Parker's retirement, time with his family was of the utmost importance and he loved spending time enjoying his family. Dr. Parker also had a love and devotion to his community and his friends. He would do anything for anyone.
Dr Parker's memories will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Betsy Parker of Coosada, Alabama, his daughter, Brittany (Doug) Ludwick of Woodbridge, Virginia, his sons, Thomas (Mary) Parker of Millbrook, Alabama, Dr. Sam (Kelly) Parker of Calera, Alabama; Bob (Ashley) Parker of Montgomery, Alabama, and Blake Parker of Dallas, Texas and by his eleven grandchildren: Andrew, Will, Megan, Brayden, Martin, Ben, Finley, Robert, Baylor and Molly Parker.
Pallbearers will be Richard Gill, Jonathan Larkin, Dan Kaylor, Bubba Phillips, Mike Tapley and Jack Miller.
Dr. Parker's love for the YMCA's Camp Grandview began as a teenager and because of this love the family request donations in lieu of flowers in Dr. Parker's memory to:
Camp Grandview YMCA
4700 Camp Grandview Road
Milbrook AL 36054
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 28, 2016, from 5 to 7 pm at the their home.
Graveside service will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Kaylor's Cemetery, Tallassee, Alabama with Reverend John Schmidt and Reverend Lamar Golden officiating. Interment will follow the service with military honors.
Brookside Funeral Home of Millbrook, Alabama directing.
Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on Mar. 29, 2016.