Having experienced a full life, Roger Anthony Parker passed away January 21, 2025, at the age of 86.
He was predeceased by his parents, Murray Mike Parker, Mildred Fletcher Parker, and step-mother Viola Parker; his wife, Diane White Parker; and his son, Clayton Mitchell Parker.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann Melinda (Larry) Craggs; grandsons, Laurence Clayton Craggs and Michael Parker Craggs; brother, Barry (Jeannine) Parker; Laurence’s fiancé, Natasha Dobkowski; and step-daughters, Sarah Bate and Martha Hutcheson.
Roger was born in Lakeland, Florida on November 19, 1938, and grew up in Leesburg, Florida. He graduated from Leesburg High School in 1956 where he played football. He initially attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, but transferred to and graduated from the University of Florida in 1961 with a degree in Agriculture. Roger was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, as are both of his grandsons. He was a member of the United States Air Force Reserves. Roger came to Ocala in 1962 when he was hired as the Assistant County Agriculture Agent for Marion County. There, he worked in the areas of citrus, blueberries, and peach horticulture. He later became a licensed general building contractor and founded Commercial Structures. He was a member of the Leesburg and Ocala Elks Clubs and a founding member of Ft. King Presbyterian Church.
In the late 1970’s, Roger became involved with the equine industry to include American Quarter Horses and thoroughbreds. After he no longer owned horses, Roger remained actively involved in the industry as the Southeast Regional sales representative for Select and other equine product lines. Roger also loved sportfishing, casinos and going on adventures with Laurence and Michael, to include a bear hunt in Maine.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate Roger will be held on February 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Memorial Park, 1515 NE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL 34470. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to your favorite charity; however, Roger would be perfectly happy if you just remembered him while enjoying a good glass of wine.