BILLY PARKER

May 8, 1934 – January 22, 2017

Billy Junior Parker, 82 of Lodi, California passed away on January 22nd peacefully at his home. Bill was born in Wayne, Oklahoma to James and Bertha Parker and was one of sixteen children. He grew up Pixley, California and lived most of his life in Sunnyvale, California, until 7 years ago when he made his home in Lodi.

Billy was a devoted family man and nothing was more important to him than his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His greatest joy in life came from watching his granddaughter play softball and his grandsons play baseball. Even later in life when it was much more difficult for him, there was simply nothing that could keep him from the ballpark.

He loved horseshoes, watching his grandchildren play any sport and was a devoted San Francisco Giants fan. Billy spent 33 years in the carpenter union working hard to provide a good life for his family. In his retirement years, he regularly participated in the senior games by throwing shot-put and competing in the longjump and high-jump events. When he could no longer compete, he volunteered at the games for many years. He belonged to the San Jose Horseshoe Club. At the age of 70, Billy completed in his first National Horse Shoe tournament and won not only the senior division, but the entire tournament.

Billy never met a stranger and was always willing to help others out. There was always room at his home for whoever needed a place to land. His big, infectious laugh will be remembered by all who knew him. His silly jokes and one-liners will keep us all smiling for many years to come.

Billy is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years Roberta, his daughters Tanya Thompson (Jim), Pamela Speake (David), Kim Kackman, Toni Meyers (David), son Dana Price (Marci), and daughter-in-law Rose Parker. Billy was preceded in death by his son Bill “Aaron” Parker. Billy is also survived by his 7 grandsons Michael, Jeremy, Dustin, Christopher, Dominick, Samuel, and Rylan, 11 granddaughters, Stephanie, Nicole, Jenna, Amanda, Samantha, Angie, Magdalena, Roberta, Casey, Jamie, and Jordan, 16 greatgrandchildren, his 3 brothers Bud, Wayne and Jack, and 4 sisters, Ann, Patty, Berneal and Bernice, and countless nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thank you to his care giver Renesha, who during the past 2 years not only brought comfort and care to him, but to his wife as well.

Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of life on Monday, January 30th at 11:30am at the Lodi Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.