James Parker

James “Gary” Parker, a Biloxi native, went home to be with Jesus at the age of 76 on February 27, 2022.

He was born at home on September 7th, 1945, to James Coy Parker and Helen Evelyn Parker.  From a young age, Gary had a talent for anything mechanical. It all started with old broken lawnmowers and bicycles that were found next to the trash on his dad’s garbage truck route. Gary, along with his brother Gordon, would carefully inspect an item, figure out what was needed, repair it, and sell it. In his teen years, he found a lifelong love for repairing cars and could be found outside on any given day under the hood.

1965 Gary enlisted in the Navy and served his country during the Vietnam war as Boilerman 2nd class on the USS RK Huntington DD781. He was honorably discharged on September 28th, 1971.

He married the love of his life, Linda, on June 5th, 1970, and they were blessed with four beautiful daughters, Joy, Amy, Kelly, and Beth.  They built a wonderful life together raising their daughters. Gary was well known in the community for his mechanical abilities, and friends would drop by the parts store to “shoot the breeze” or “pick his brain” about an automobile issue. He worked for Napa Auto Parts as a store manager for over 25 years and then transitioned to the City of Biloxi Police Department garage where he retired in Spring of 2017.

Gary deeply loved the Lord and was a charter member of Northside Assembly of God in Biloxi where he served as a past deacon. He was always ready to lend a hand whenever needed.  Known for his yellow 1968 Roadrunner, which he still has to this day, Gary could be found drag racing on the weekends…no one could shift the gears like he could.  In later years, he loved the annual “Cruisin’ the Coast” event and talking cars with his buddies.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Coy Parker & Helen Evelyn Parker; his sister, Mary Ellen Parker Griffin; his brother, Gordon Michael Parker; and his brother-in-law; Ray Boyette.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Linda Pittman Parker; daughters, Joy Parker Maier (John), Amy Parker Delcambre (Christian), Kelly Suzanne Parker, and Beth Parker Dykes (Josh); his grandchildren, Savannah Maier Carson (Matthew), Abigail Grace Maier, Shelby Parker Strange, and John Benjamin Gary Maier; his sisters, Denise Parker Boyette (John Dodd) and Hazel Parker Lewis (Roland).

He loved fiercely and deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that we will see him again.  “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Visitation will be held outdoors on Friday, March 4, 2022, at White Plains Cemetery, from 10:00 am until 10:30 am.  The Graveside service will follow at 10:30 am.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family, and memories may be shared with the family at www.riemannfmaily.com .