Charles Duke “Buddy” Parker Obituary (1928 - 2017)

Charles Duke "Buddy" Parker, age 88 of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on January 10th, 2017 at Viera Manor Assisted Living Community in Melbourne Florida. Buddy was born in Rome, Georgia on Aug 17, 1928 and was the youngest son of four children. His parents were the late Duke Roberson Parker and Fleeta Belle Davidson. After graduation from Dunedin High School in 1945 he enlisted in the United States Navy. His permanent duty station was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Buddy's enlistment was heavily influenced by the loss of his only brother Jack Roberson Parker. Jack's plane, The Queen Bee, was downed by Japanese fire in 1944. Jack survived the crash only to be captured and subsequently executed on June 19, 1945. Jack's execution took place at the infamous Taihoku Prison Camp located on the Island of Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa. Buddy served in the Navy until December 22, 1947 just after the war's end. Upon returning to Dunedin, Florida Buddy would soon meet the love of his life Beverly Ann Tool. This meeting was a consequence of a blind date at which, interestingly enough, the three men and three women paired according to their heights. You just can't make this stuff up. After their wedding, held at The Parker home in Dunedin, the newlyweds moved to Gainesville, Florida in 1951 where the University of Florida was located and where they both attended school. After a year at the University of Florida Buddy became employed with the United States Post Office in Gainesville where he worked until he retired after 39 years of service. Buddy was an avid Gator fan and supporter of the University of Florida. He was fortunate to witness The Gator football team's first SEC championship and first National Title. Buddy loved to hunt and fish. He trained his own bird dogs and would often be seen stopping at Tigert Hall where his wife Beverly was employed in order to "show off" the many 'largemouth' bass he caught. After retirement, Buddy spent his years researching his family genealogy. In addition, he also meticulously researched circumstances associated with his brother's execution. On the 60th anniversary of that tragic event, Buddy was joined by his sons in Taipei, Taiwan at "The Killing Wall", the location within the prison where it is believed that Jack was put to death. Subsequently a portion of Buddy's research was published in the poignant book by author Fred B. Grant entitled "World War II: As told by the Few Who Were There, 2005." Buddy enjoyed Gator Football, golfing, jogging and his sons. Nothing was more important to him than his family and he worked tirelessly, accruing much overtime so that his family never went without and all were provided with the opportunity of college educations. Buddy is survived by his four sons John Roberson Parker and his wife Trish of Melbourne, FL, Steven Hamilton Parker of Redwood City, CA, Jeffrey Duke Parker of Jacksonville Beach, FL and Charles Michael Parker of Boca Raton, FL. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday March 24, 2017 at The Chapel in the Meadows at Forest Meadows Central Cemetery, 4100 NW 39th Ave Gainesville, FL where he will receive Military Honors before being laid to rest next to his beloved wife Beverly who passed in February 2011. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the assisted living facility at Viera Manor, 3325 Breslay Drive, Melbourne, Florida 32940 care of Director Doug Love.