Billy Eugene Parker

Billy Eugene Parker, 81, of Fayetteville, Ark., died peacefully on December 15, 2015 at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. Bill was welcomed into the world on October 21, 1934 to parents Cecil and Elsie Parker and older brother Cecil Dean of the Mill Creek community near Combs, Ark. He met his great love, Patsy Feibleman (known affectionately as Corky), while growing up in Fayetteville and they were married a few short months after graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1952. Together they raised three children and enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Elsie; his brother, Cecil Dean; and his wife, Corky. He is survived by his children, Bill Parker and his wife, Penny, of Nemo, Texas; Debbie McLoud and her husband, Mason, of Fayetteville; and Brett Parker and his wife, Julie, of Fayetteville; and by his grandchildren, Parker McLoud and his wife, Amber, of Crested Butte, Col.; and Kaylin McLoud and Jack Parker of Fayetteville. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Bill had a passion for making the most out of life. As a young man, he showed great leadership skills at FHS as Student Council President and a starting basketball player. He often reminisced about his time on the court, saying the years he spent as part of a team gave him confidence in his abilities. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and later continued his service to the country in the National Guard. He enjoyed his work and took great pride in being productive. His first job was as a dishwasher at George's Majestic Lounge; by his retirement, his was plant manager of two Tyson Mexican Original plants. As a family man, he was loving, generous, and supportive. He doted on his grandchildren and, along with Corky, took great delight in spoiling them rotten. He enjoyed Razorback athletics, particularly football and basketball, and trying his luck at casinos. And boy, did he love to dance. Music was in his soul. Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the late 1990s, but he never let that keep him from the dance floor or determine what he could or could not do with his life. His tenacity, strength, and will to live were simply incredible. He loved and was loved in return by so many, and he will be missed dearly. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 19 at 11 a.m. at Moore's Chapel with Senior Pastor Sara Pair of Sequoyah United Methodist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, http://www.pdf.org/, 1359 Broadway #1509, New York, New York 10018.