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Robert Wayne Parker from Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away in his residence in Hendersonville, N.C., on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the age of 77.
Bob was raised in the East Tennessee State Children’s Home ran by the First Christian Church of Elizabethton. At 16 years of age, he left the home and was lovingly welcomed into the Lipford family.
During his high school career many may remember him as “Rat”. His talents on the football field were acknowledged in 2015 when he was inducted into the Elizabethton Sports hall of Fame.
After high school Bob enlisted into the U.S. Army. As a Vietnam Veteran he served in the 82nd and 101st Airborne division.
Bob was an avid woodworker. His artistic talents could also be seen when trying to explain an idea with this quote, “Let me draw you a picture”.
Bob loved to play the guitar and listen to good Bluegrass music.
The one thing he would never miss was a Tennessee Vols football game. He was a steadfast fan and enjoyed watching them improve over the season.
To many Bob was a strong, loving, and gentle man. To his family he is our hero. His life was not easy but this never stopped him from showing love to friends and family. When remembering Robert Parker please remember his smile, kind bright blue eyes and the way he loved.
He is survived by his daughters, Jessica and Melissa Harwood of Hendersonville, N.C., and Leslie and Joe Gillette of Atlanta, Ga.; sisters, Jenny and Jim Barksdale of Atlanta, Ga., Ermine and Roger Arwood of Elizabethton, Tenn., and Patsy and Randy Tadlock of Elizabethton, Tenn.; grandchildren, Andrew Dean, John and Brandon Mallett; great-grandchildren, Tybee and Madylin Mallett; along with one niece and six nephews.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2022.
Highlands Cremation & Funeral Care is assisting the family and an online registry can be found at www.highlandscremationandfuneralcare.com.