Roll Call Tribute

Gerald Allan Parker
February 26, 1936 - December 06, 2021

Gerald Allan Parker (Gerry), age 85, died on December 6, 2021, after a short battle with liver cancer. Gerry was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 26, 1936, to Virginia May Smith Parker and Kyle Parker. In 1942, Gerry's parents divorced, and Gerry went to live on his grandparents' farm located in Willacy County outside of Raymondville, Texas.

Gerry attended Raymondville schools and graduated from Raymondville High School in 1954. He attended Texas A&M University in College Station where he was a member of the Texas Aggie Band.

In 1958, Gerry moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, where he started a five-year stint in the United States Air Force. While in Biloxi, MS, Gerry met the love of his life, Suzanne Jameson, on July 15, 1960. Soon after their wedding, Gerry and Suzy moved to Europe where Gerry was stationed in both England (Chelveston) and France (Toul-Rosieres) and served as a navigator in the Douglas RB-66C Destroyer in the 42nd Air Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (USAFE).

Gerry earned a degree in accounting from Texas A&M.. Through his accounting work, he became interested in computer science. Gerry went into business with his good friend Jerry Marchbanks, and they jointly founded Marchbanks & Parker Inc. in San Antonio in 1973. Gerry and Jerry specialized in inventory and transportation networks and proudly counted some of the world's largest companies as their clients. Gerry and Jerry bought a private plane to go to areas not served by commercial airlines. Gerry would go on to own several more planes and proudly flew his kids all over the country on trips; he held multi-engine and instrument ratings for decades, and he also became a certified flight instructor. Gerry had well over 4,000 flight hours, primarily in Cessna, Piper and Beechcraft twins.

Gerry was dedicated to his community. For over a decade he served on the Lombardi Award Committee for the Rotary Club of Houston, including as Chairman, raising money for the American Cancer Society. He was President of the B-66 Destroyer Association and was instrumental in raising funds for the B-66 Destroyer memorial at the National Museum of the USAF. In 2016, Gerry was recognized by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for holding his CPA license for 50 years.

In 2016, Gerry and Suzy moved to Georgetown, TX, where Gerry was active in the Rotary Club and at FUMC Georgetown. Gerry happily owned and ran his IT consulting business until his death. Two years ago, Gerry was fortunate to connect with and meet his oldest son, Michael Patton, who was adopted by a loving Mississippi couple in 1958.Perhaps Gerry's finest accomplishment was the care and dedication he showed to his wife, Suzy, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2012. Even though it would have been easier for Gerry if he had moved Suzy into memory care, he steadfastly refused to be separated from her and insisted on coordinating her care on his own. For almost nine years, Gerry drove her to every appointment and included her in every aspect of his life.

Gerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Suzy; son Michael Patton of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, daughter Kaye-Ailsa Rowan '85 (Sally Cooperrider) of San Jose, California, daughter Karra Parker Guess (Dan) of Austin, Texas, and son Kenneth Parker '91 (Carol Normandin '90) of Laguna Beach, California, plus thirteen grandchildren ('20) and four great-grandchildren.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation in Gerry's name.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Georgetown, Texas on April 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Private burial to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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