John E. Parker

John E. Parker, 64, of Tega Cay, S.C., died at 9 p.m., Thursday, July 15, 2021, at home, surrounded by his family.

Born Oct. 10, 1956, in Butler, he was the son of Harry “Hap” and Janet “Jan” Davis Parker.

John was a graduate of Karns City High School Class of 1975.

In March of 1998, John and his family moved to League City, Texas, to further employment opportunities. A second relocation to Fort Mill, S.C., in July of 2004, offered the next chapters in his book of life.

John was proficient in many trades and, over the years, he was employed at a variety of companies, including the family's Parker Plumbing business in Chicora, Witco Chemical in Petrolia, Culligan Water Conditioning in Butler and in Houston, Texas, Jacobson Textron in Charlotte, N.C., DES Training in Rock Hill, S.C., Massey Mountain Firearms Training in Fort Mill, S.C., and O'Reilly Auto Parts in Fort Mill, S.C.

John was a member of the Masons, Corinthian Lodge 416, AFM Rock Hill, S.C., and was a life-member of the NRA. The passion for the NRA drove John to become a concealed carry instructor and for many other firearm certifications. He was an instructor for law enforcement, and participated in multiple classes for shooting competitions. John chaired for many years on The Friends of NRA in Rock Hill, S.C., and had done banquet work to raise funds to support Fort Mill High School students, participating in gun competitions.

John was most compassionate about his love of standard poodle dogs, and protecting the Constitution of the United States of America. He will be remembered in the area for being a firearm and South Carolina concealed weapons instructor. John was willing to share his knowledge with anyone.

John E. Parker is survived by his wife, Gayle (Klein) of 42 years; and his son, Michael Harry Parker of Fort Mill, S.C.

He is also survived by his siblings, Charles (Dodi) Parker of Chicora and Cynthia (Terry) Morrow of Fenelton; his sister-in-law, Susanne (Rafael) Duran; his nephews, Bryan Duran and Greg (Jessica) Parker; his nieces, Jill Morrow, Jennifer (David) Morrow and Megan (Jimmy) Werkmeister; his great-nieces, Shelby, Myra, Kenlee and Marley; and his aunts, Joanne Klein of Orange City, Fla. and Joanne Parker Hartman of Fort Myers, Fla.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Harry “Hap” and Janet “Jan” Parker.

PARKER — A celebration of life for John E. Parker, who died Thursday, July 15, 2021, will be held at the family's convenience at a future date.

Please remember John with love and laughter, which he felt for all of his family and friends.

The family suggests donations be made in John's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.