Obituary of Merle Alfred Parker
Columbia, SC – Merle Alfred Parker, 98 of Columbia, SC, passed away on Sept. 16, 2022 in Kingsport, TN. Merle was born July 5, 1924 in Union City PA to Carletta and Frank Parker. He graduated from Union City High School, attended Dartmouth College and graduated from Gannon College in 1951.
He was a WWII veteran, having proudly served in the Marine Corps (1st Marine Division) in the South Pacific where he received the Commendation Medal.
Merle worked for Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel Division for 40 plus years as a Quality Assurance Manager, where he consulted on the construction of nuclear power plants in France and Japan. His work, during this time, earned him four patents.
He was active in the community. He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. He enjoyed golf and traveling the world. He was a member of Incarnation Lutheran Church. He is preceded by his wife of forty-seven years, Agnes Conner Parker.
He is survived by his wife Toni Parker; children, Patricia (Ray) Hill of Columbia SC, Michael (Kathie) Parker of Kingsport TN, Pamela Parker-White and husband Locke White of Blacksburg, VA, Michelle Parker and husband Daniel Herlihy of Kingsport TN, Matthew (Beth) Parker of Charlotte NC; his grandchildren; Taylor Parker, Cassidy Parker, Christopher Parker, Kim (Alex) Lyttle; and his great granddaughter, Riley Lyttle.
The family will receive friends from 3 PM to 4 PM on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport, TN. A funeral service will follow at 4 pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jack Edwards officiating. A commitment service will be conducted at 2 pm on Monday, September 26, 2022 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Preston Place II staff for their excellent care and support of Merle and his family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Kingsport is serving the Parker family.
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Published by Carter-Trent Funeral Home – Kingsport on Sep. 19, 2022.
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