He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Jean W. Parker; six brothers: Ralph, Van, Hal, Julian, Jim, and Rufus; one sister, Gladys P. Jones and several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by a son, William E. Parker of Marietta, Georgia, a daughter, Katherine J. Parker, and a son-in-law, Brian A. Gauvin of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Roy was born in Anderson, SC on November 9, 1918. He attended the Honea Path schools and was the president of his 1937 graduating class. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was chosen by his fellow recruits as the “Honor Graduate” of his 1937 platoon class. He was then assigned to the newly commissioned USS Honolulu and served on board the light cruiser throughout most of the war in the South Pacific. He was awarded numerous medals and ribbons, including the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (one star), Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (9 stars), American Area Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal (one star), World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Roy served on various ships and shore stations during his 31 years of active duty, with his last duty assignment taking him to Charleston, SC as the Re-Entry Body Division Officer of the Polaris Missile Facility Atlantic. He remained in Charleston after his Navy retirement, and worked for the Lockheed Missile and Space Facility for 13 years.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Saturday at Honea Path City Cemetery with Rev. P. Cameron Kirker officiating. The family will receive friends after the service at the graveside.
Memorials may be made to Smile Train: PO Box 96231, Washington D.C. 20090-6231 or Doctors Without Borders at donate.doctorswithoutborders.org. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com.
Your message to the family will be private, and will be deilvered to them on the day of the funeral service.
If the service has already been held, please contact the family directly.