Thomas Carnes Parker

A popular song from a Disney movie from years past has the characters imploring everyone to “whistle while you work”. The beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, Tommy Parker made that a model for facing life in general. Thomas Carnes Parker was born at Grady Hospital in Atlanta on October 7, 1933. He was one of three children born to the late Fred Theron and Nettie Pauline Carnes Parker. That long and distinguished name was a little much for the fun-loving person who became affectionately known as Tommy. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings Fred Theron Parker, Jr. and Jimmie Parker Brooks. Tommy packed a lot of diverse interests into his life. He served in The United States Air Force and remained staunchly patriotic for the rest of his life. His occupations included The Atlanta Transit System and managing his own service station and a stint with the State of Georgia Revenue Department. He found his niche at The Atlanta Beverage Company and retired as its safety director. His last employment was a joy as he ferried the students of Coweta County to and from school for 23 years on his happy bus. He loved mentoring young folks in their sporting games and was a little league coach in East Point for many years. Tommy was a problem solver by nature and could make just about anything that needed to be made and if it broke, he could fix it. He will be remembered as a funny, jovial man. He was faithful and dedicated husband to his wife, Barbara Jane Baxley Parker. They were married August 1, 1958. He led by example for his sons Thomas “Mark” Parker and his wife Tanya, Michael Parker and his wife Melinda, Stephen Parker and Matthew Parker and his wife Holli. He adored his grandchildren whom he loved to tease and offered spontaneous songs without prompting. He will be missed by Courtney Parker Tiner and Luke, Katherine Parker, Christopher Parker, Delaney Parker, Elizabeth “Libby” Parker and Russell Parker. Tommy will be beaming down from heaven when his first great grandchild makes her appearance in August. Also surviving is his sister-in-law Janet Parker. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday evening May 5th between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM for a time of stories, catching up with each other and remembering the life of this wonderful man. A service to honor his life will be on Saturday, May 6th, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home led by Reverend Gary Brogdon. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com.

Thomas Carnes Parker

October 7, 1933 - May 2, 2017