Bob Parker

Bob Parker, age 75, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2009 at Trinity Medical Center in Birmingham. He was born February 20, 1934 in Rainsville, Alabama to James Daniel Parker and Estelle Camp Parker as the 10th of 11 children. After moving the family to Fort Payne in 1944, Bob’s father passed away two years later. In the late 1940’s, Bob worked at the DeKalb Theatre where he sold popcorn and maintained the marquee and “Coming Attractions” signs. At the age of 16 in 1950, he began work as a radio dispatcher for the City of Fort Payne. At the same time, he was playing football at DeKalb County High School and helping to care for his invalid mother. He would often sleep on a cot at city hall. He went to work as a police officer for the City in 1952, and except for a few months away in 1962, continued as an officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 1964, and in 1968 was promoted to assistant chief in charge of investigations. From December of 1970 until March 1971, he worked as an investigator for DeKalb County District Attorney Jay Black. In May of 1971, he returned to the City as an investigator, and in July was appointed chief of police in Fort Payne, a position he held for 23 years until his retirement in August 1994. Chief Parker was the first Fort Payne officer to go through the police academy, and was a firm believer in providing proper training and equipment for his officers. Under his administration the city’s E911 service was begun, the first in DeKalb County. He was active in the Alabama Chiefs of Police Association, and in 1976, Bob received the “Outstanding Law Enforcement Office of Alabama” award. Both of his sons followed him into law enforcement. Wade retired from the Fort Payne Police department. Andy left the department to go into private business, and later served two terms on the city council. In 1996, Bob entered the political arena, and was elected to the city council as one of the more popular candidates. After former Mayor David Stout’s resignation in 1997, Bob was unanimously elected by the council to become mayor. He served as mayor for nearly three years before he retired from politics. Bob had a total of 48 years of service to the City of Fort Payne, 44 as an employee and 4 as an elected official – a feat that has never been equaled. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Highfield officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery with full police rites by the Fort Payne Police and DeKalb County Sheriffs Department, and all law enforcement officers. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 until 8 p.m. He is survived by his wife, Florence Marie Parker, whom he married in 1955, and his sons Wade Parker, Andy Parker and wife Barbara, four granddaughters Didi Greenwood, Jackie Careathers, Rita Johnson, and Lisa Ingle as well as 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters Ovelle, Louise, Norman, Charles (Chalk), Wendell (Brat), Mary, Otelia, Sarah, Bill, and Shirley. Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, online guestbook, www.wilsonfhinc.com.

Bob Parker

February 20, 1937 - May 7, 2009