John Ray Parker

John Ray Parker, of Young Harris, Georgia, age 87, passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022 in Hiawassee, Georgia. John Ray was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Ella (Farr) Parker on November 17, 1934 in Robbinsville, North Carolina.

 

John Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette (Chastain)

Parker; his parents, Ralph and Ella Parker; his brothers, Plato, Lowell, Ben, and Little J.R.; and his sisters, Hazel Campbell, Mary Eller and Evangeline. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Parker Woodard; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Sharon Parker; brother, Harold Max Parker; sister Willia Mae Van Vyncht; grandchildren and spouses, Shea and Kristin Taylor, Jordan and Morgan Woodard, Carly Woodard, Tracy and Heather Parker, Casey Parker, and Kristen Parker; great grandchildren Camden Taylor, Gracie Taylor, Caden Parker, Maddie, Jacob and Demi; and a host of loving extended family and friends.

 

John Ray was a loyal member of Woods Grove Baptist Church, and loved his church family. He was a mason and veteran of the U.S. Army. He loved music, especially playing bluegrass on his banjo and guitar. When not playing music you could find him hunting, fishing or just enjoying the outdoors. When the fair was in town he was known for his wood splitting skills at the Georgia Mountain Fair. He was outgoing, loved his family more than life and never met a stranger and touched more lives than anyone would ever know.  He will be sorely missed.

 

Visitation: Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 5-9pm at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home

Funeral: Sunday, February 20,2022 at 2:30pm at Woods Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Sims officiating.

Pallbearers: Josh Parker, Evan Keyes, Tyler Keyes, Terry Parker, Patrick Sosebee, Alex Gavarrete, Caden Parker (hon.), Camden Taylor (hon.)

Interment to follow in the Woods Grove Cemetery,

 

Banister-Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of caring for Mr. John Ray Parker.