William "Bill" Parker

William R.""Bill"" Parker, Jr. passed away January 10, 2012 at his home in Diamondhead after a battle with cancer.
Bill was born in Kerens, Texas, the son of Ruth Jones Parker and William R. Parker. He graduated high school at Gulf Coast Military Academy Class of '44 and attended Virginia Military Institute before enlisting in the US Navy where he served on the USS Hancock in the Pacific Theater. He also attended Centenary College in Shreveport, LA.
He was a 32nd degree Mason-raised to Master Mason on August 14, 1952 in Shreveport Lodge #115 F & AM which has now merged with Hap Arnold Lodge #457.
Bill was involved with computer systems from their infancy and retired as a resident manager from Sperry Univac (now Unisys) in 1984 after 35 years with the company.
After retirement, Bill and Connie traveled extensively, finally retiring in Diamondhead where they have lived since 1988. He formed a company, Bill Parker Maintenance, Inc., which he successfully operated until illness forced him to once more retire.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Jones Parker and William R. Parker.
He is survived by his wife, Cornelia ""Connie"" Parker; his daughters, Karen Guillot of Port Allen, LA, Ruth Anne Gryder of Pride, LA; and an adopted son, Michael of Baton Rouge, LA; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters Jaleen Saulter, Nederland, TX, Marie Cornelius, Hillister, TX, and Carol Cowan, Chester, IL.
Services will be held Friday, January 13, 2012 at Diamondhead Community Church at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. A private inurnment will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery.
In Iieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Diamondhead Community Church, 5301 Diamondhead Circle, Diamondhead, MS 39525. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Rd, is handling the services.