Samuel Cecil Parker

Samuel Cecil Parker, 101, of McDonald, TN, began his life’s journey in Hayesville, NC on February 28, 1915 and closed his eyes to his earthly life, on Sunday, May 15, 2016.
On January 1, 1943 he became a soldier during World War II. He served with the 139th Engineers Construction Battalion in Guadalcanal and the Philippines. He often told the story of being dug into a foxhole on the side of the road as he watched General Douglas McArthur roll through the Philippines. After the war he returned to Cleveland and to the love of his life, Gracie Gladys Thompson Parker and soon after began their family.
He was small in stature but he could handle the most strenuous work in farming, construction, and logging. He worked for Burlington Woolens and later at M & M Mars while caring for his 120 acre farm and working in construction.
His lifetime of a strong faith in God, the love for his family, and much hard work is credited for the long life he enjoyed.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gracie Gladys Parker; cherished granddaughter Stephanie Michelle Evans; parents, James and Edna Franks Parker, brothers, Paul, Clifton, Lewie, Perry, Aud, Neal, and James Junior, two sisters, Aulma Buckner and Dorothy Ramsey.
Cecil is survived by his two daughters, Linda Parker Connelly and husband, Bob, and Sammie Carolyn Parker Stewart and husband, Doug; 2 grandchildren, Terri Murray and Kristy Whitmire and husband, Jackie; 2 great-grandsons, Jordan Whitmire and Matthew Whitmire; and brother, Robert Parker and wife, Rose; sister-in-law Lela Ruth Parker and several family members, friends, and loved ones.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 18th, 2016 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM in the funeral home parlor. The celebration of his life will begin at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Companion Funeral Home located at 2419 Georgetown Road in Cleveland, TN with the Reverend Sammy Hughes officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Jackie Whitmire, Jordan Whitmire, Matthew Whitmire (Honorary), Ronnie Parker, Larry Parker, Greg Parker, David Burnette, and Jeff Freeman as pallbearers. The service with military honors and white dove release will conclude the service.
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donations be made in Cecil’s memory to either Hospice of Chattanooga or the charity of your choice.
You are encouraged to share a memory of Cecil and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfuneral.com.
Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with his arrangements.