Obituary of Thomas Parker

Thomas (Tommy) Parker, 79, of Church Hill suddenly passed away on Sunday evening at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Hawkins County where he graduated from Church Hill High School in 1956. Tommy worked at Mason Dixon Truck Lines until they closed in 1982. He retired from Central Transport in 2001. Tommy enjoyed camping and crappie fishing and especially loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr. Parker was a lifelong member of Old Union United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Parker, Jr.; parents, Lyle and Marie Parker; his sisters, Eva Spears and Frances Lawson. Tommy Parker is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joy Bombailey Parker; his daughters, Melissa Parker Harris and husband, Stephen, Jennifer Parker Testerman and husband, Mark; a son, Mike Parker and wife, Joan; grandchildren, Joshua Edmonson and wife, Ophelia, Thomas Edmonson, Emily Rodriguez and husband, Francois, Matthew Parker, Christopher Parker, Houston Harris, Seth Testerman; great grandsons, Parker Edmonson, Tucker Edmonson, and Gabriel Rodriguez; his sister, Jean Bailey; brother, Gerald Parker and wife, Shelby along with several nieces and nephews. A gathering of friends and celebration of life service will be held on Friday (March 2, 2018) at 6 p.m. at Old Union United Methodist Church. Friends may also call anytime at the residence, 414 Alexander Avenue in Church Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Old Union United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Mogalene Woods, 708 Old Union Road, Church Hill, TN 37642. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Parker family.