Roll Call Tribute

Raymond L. Parker, LTC USA (Retired) 

June 27, 1936 - April 25, 2023 

Raymond Lavance Parker passed away April 25, 2023, after a long battle with dementia. He was born June 27, 1936 in Pine Valley, Texas to Howard and Hazel Parker.

Raymond graduated from Lufkin High School in 1954 and shortly afterwards entered Texas A&M College. He graduated from A&M in 1958 with a degree in Agricultural Education. He was a Corp member with a commission so after graduation he went directly into the Army. He served 28 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He had 2 tours in Vietnam, one in Korea, one in Panama and several locations across the United States including Alaska. During his Army career he received numerous medals and awards the most notable being a Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, a Combat Infantryman Badge and two Vietnam Gallantry Crosses, one with a silver star and one with a palm leaf. While on duty in Boone, North Carolina he completed his Masters Degree in Video Communications at Appalachian State University. After retirement he enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and woodworking.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents. Although his wife of 65 years, Wille Louis Parker, was alive at the time of his death she passed away seven months later. Raymond is survived by his brother Jesse and wife Weesa, brother James and wife Kathy, his children daughter Laura Connie Tucker, son Preston Parker, daughter Jennie Wilson and husband Tom Wilson, grandchildren Nicole Hevener Cropper and husband Chris (Butters) Cropper, Parker Roe, Leon Tucker and wife Brooke and Michael Willson (now deceased) as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Raymond was buried with Military Honors at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas