Charles Edwin Parker

Charles Edwin Parker, 100, died Monday, August 12, 2019 at NHC Healthcare, Johnson City. He was born in Johnson City July 28, 1919, the son of Charles H. Parker and Sarah Lyle Parker.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy K. Parker, his second wife, Barbara Fenn Parker, brother Robert B. Parker, and sister, Frances Marie Parker.
Surviving him are daughters Amy Parker Stover and Sally Parker MacLane, sons John C. Parker  and Robert K. Parker, and step-daughters, Elizabeth Fenn Lowe and Mary Fenn Ladd. Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Paul Stover, Becky Stover Norton, Lauren Essick Hathaway, Parker Essick, Charlie Parker, Andy Lowe, Richard Lowe, Patrick Ladd, and Julia Fenn Hoskins, and ten great- grandchildren.
He was a CPA and was a partner in the firm of Baylor & Backus. He later founded the firm of Parker, Stewart, Shorter & Carden. He was a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. He acquired and operated Johnson City Bedding Company, where he served as president and CEO from 1972 to 1986, and Chairman from 1986 until the time of his death.
Mr. Parker served in the Army Air Corps as a primary flight instructor and the United States Air Force for thirty-seven years with active duty in World War II and the Korean War. He also served as a civilian flight instructor.
He was an active member of Central Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and on various committees. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Carson-Newman University and as a Board member of Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes.
He served on the Tri-Cities Airport Commission, the Boards of Johnson City Medical Center, Watauga Mental Health Services, and the Salvation Army. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association, and First Tennessee Bank. He was an active member of the Johnson City Kiwanis Club for 30 years, and was a past President of the club. He served as Chairman of United Way during 1966, and was active in a number of other community organizations. In April, 2019, Mr. Parker was honored by the Johnson City City Commission with a Proclamation detailing his long life and community service.
The family of Charles Edwin Parker will receive friends from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Friday, August 16, 2019 at Central Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with Dr. Ron Murray and Dr. Tommy Hood officiating. Mr. Parker’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Following the funeral service family and friends will gather at Monte Vista Memorial Park for committal services.
The family wishes to thank the staff at NHC for their compassionate care during the past six months.
Memorial gifts may be made to: Central Baptist Church, 300 N. Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601, or to the Dorothy K. Parker Nursing Scholarships at Carson-Newman University, Office of Advancement, PO Box 557, Jefferson City, TN 37760 or East Tennessee State University, College of Nursing, c/o Teresa Feltner, 365 Stout Dr., Box 70617, Johnson City, TN 37614.

Graveside Service:
Monte Vista Memorial Park
1900 East Oakland Avenue
Johnson City, TN 37601