Obituary of William Lewis Parker

William “Bill” or “Cotton” Lewis Parker, age 84, of Old Hickory, TN, was called home to be with the Lord on February 28, 2016. Funeral Services will be conducted by son-in-law, Brad Smith at 6:00 pm on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Sellars Funeral Home, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt Juliet, TN 37122. The family will be receiving friends at the Sellars Funeral Home from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm until the service at 6:00 pm. The burial will take place at Gray Cemetery, Gray, TN on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 12:00 noon. Bill was retired from the DuPont Chemical plant in Old Hickory where he was an electrical troubleshooter for over 30 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War, and proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Army while he was stationed in Yokohama, Japan from 1952-1954. During his service, he was responsible to relay messages to Japan & Korea about POW’s that had been freed. Bill enjoyed time with his family, trading stocks on the internet, and watching sports of any kind (especially the Florida Gators and the Atlanta Braves). He loved to travel and tried to see as much of the United States as he could including numerous trips out West and also to Mexico and Canada. He never lost his love to learn about new things which included keeping up with technology with his computer and iPhone. He had been an active member of Temple Baptist Church in Old Hickory, serving as a Deacon. For many years he oversaw the maintenance of the church bus ministry and was always there to help a friend or neighbor in need when it came to fixing a car or truck. There wasn’t anything Bill Parker couldn’t fix. But most importantly, Bill loved to share his love for Jesus Christ with everyone he met, even his caregivers after he became ill. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, his “pride and joy”, Emma Ruth Lovegrove Parker of Kingsport, TN and their 4 daughters, Pamela Vee Collins (John), Patricia Ann Parker (Glenn Rye) Penney Lea Carter, and Pepper Elizabeth Smith (Brad), Grandson, Chase Stephen Carter, Granddaughter, Tracey Lea Carter Vansickle (Greg) Great-Grandson, Gavin Carter Vansickle, Great-Granddaughter, Linley Brooke Vansickle, Niece, Nancy Brinkley, Sister-in-law, Marie Parker and many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to dear friends and loving caregivers: Richard Layhew, Carl Burleson, Roger & Peggy Evetts, Denise Roberts & family, Sherry Lee, Jessica Bell, Missy Johnson, Keisha Lowe, the entire staff of Alvin C York VA Hospice – Murfreesboro, and the kind neighbors on Ray Avenue. Arrangements made by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, Mt. Juliet, TN., 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, (615)758-5459