W. Harold Parker, Jr.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held for W. Harold Parker, Jr., 76, of Granville, at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newark with Pastor Mark Hartsough as celebrant.

Surrounded by his children, Harold passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022 at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark. He was born on February 14, 1946 in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Wilmer H. Parker Sr. and Martha J. Peterson.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Harold was a longtime employee of Gould Battery in Columbus, Georgia, then Salem, Oregon.  He relocated to become a superintendent of the company in Zanesville, Ohio, before transferring to Fort Smith, Arkansas.  Following retirement, Harold worked as a graphic designer for Anheuser Busch in Fort Smith for 10 years.  He most recently relocated to Granville after living in Arkansas for 30 years. He enjoyed fishing, classic cars, especially Mustangs, Texas Ranger baseball, and visiting with neighbors while walking his dog.  Harold never met a stranger and was described by many as the ‘spark’ of his neighborhood, where he was known by his nickname, ‘Parker.’

Surviving are his children and their spouses, Ed (Julie) Parker of Granville, Ohio, and Kimberly (David) Bentley of Manassas, Virginia; grandchildren, Parker, Kendall, Preston, and Vaughn; sister, Yvette (Darrell) Severance of Richland, Washington; and his faithful canine companion, Cody.

In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Parker, and his sister, Gail Parker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to New Hope Lutheran Church, Granville, Ohio.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.