I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

Joseph " GI Joe" Parker Jr received his wings on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Joe was born November 3, 1939, as a twin (Pearlie Mae Thomas) to Joseph E. Parker and Pearl Cargill. Both parents preceded him in death.

Joe completed his education at the Sussex County Training School where he was an avid baseball player. In 1968, with Leo Harrison, Joe helped start the baseball league in the surrounding counties, Waverly Allstars, Dendron Red Sox, Ivor Tigers, and Prince George Blue Sox to name a few teams in the league. He had a great love for the Atlanta Braves and the Dallas Cowboys!

He married Marie Curtis in 1961; she preceded him in death after over 50 years of marriage.  They both loved and supported their family. He gave good, fair, and no-holds-barred advice.

GI Joe was a long-distance truck driver for over 50 years. After retiring from Food Lion, he started a Bus Touring Company named Pearl Tours after his mother. He always enjoyed driving and traveling the highways. Joe and his brother James often loved to talk to family and friends about stories of the places and all the interesting people they met in their travels.

Joe was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church in Wavery, Virginia where he was baptized at an early age. He served as a trustee. He loved his church family and community.

Joe also was a founding member of the Young Men Social Club where he served as president and other duties. He was committed to this organization and its growth.

He leaves behind family and friends that will treasure his memories: 3 loving daughters, Leishia Parker, Marietta (Tyrone) Myrick both of Prince George, VA, and Michelle Parker of Waverly, VA. A son, Joseph (Angela) Crocker of Villa Park, Ill. Grandchildren Miles Myrick of Prince George, VA, Jory, and Alania Crocker of Villa Park, Ill. A sister Patricia P. Hill of Los Angeles, CA, Pearlie P. Thomas (deceased), Mary P. Brown (deceased), and brothers James Parker and Harris Parker (deceased). Nieces Cordelia Carver, Stephanie Whiting, Tammy Farlow, and Neita Jones Nephews: Caldon Curtis, Tryone Curtis,  Leslie Lee Curtis,  Alan Curtis, Cornelius Curtis,  Anthony Brown, Warren Parker, Arthur Brown, Marcus Curtis, and William Jones.  Cousin Lewis Parker and a host of cousins, great-nieces, and nephews, and other loving family members and friends. Special acknowledgment to a lifelong friend Elizabeth Crocker ( Travis and Sean).  Thank you Leo Harrison, Calvin Butts,  Stanley Taylor, and Joe Lightfoot for being long-time, loyal friends. His dedication to his family and friends will be greatly missed.

A special thank you to all the staff, aids, and caregivers at VCU Medical Center, Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Liberty Dialysis, Bon Secours Community Hospice, Prime Care Family Practice, and especially Dr. Lesli Brown.

Public Viewing will be 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Peace Funeral Home, Waverly, Virginia.

Funeral Service will be 1:00 pm, Friday, November 12, 2021, at Liberty Baptist Church, Waverly, Virginia, Rev. Bobby Ricks, Pastor.  Interment will follow at Waverly Cemetery, Waverly, Virginia.

***Please follow CDC and Virginia guidelines for Social Distancing and Facial Covering***