Memories of Jeffrey A. Parker

In memory of

Jeffrey A. Parker

Phoenix, AZ, USA

July 17, 1957 - August 23, 2018

Jul 17, 1957 - Aug 23, 2018

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Barrister Benjamin

Shared a heart

Edward Blackwelder

I shall always miss my Kappa Alpha fraternity brother, Jeff. My trip with him to Cincinnati was a great adventure for me.

God be with Jeff's family.

Dr. Edward Blackwelder
Piedmont, AL 36272

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Pam Fine

Barbara Lemanski

Pat, I just learned of Jeff’s passing today while at the funeral for Norine Murphy (perhaps you remember her, John Murphy’s Mom). I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear this sad news. I think that would be the most difficult thing a parent would have to endure. Something one could ever get over.
We really didn’t know Jeff, mostly Kim and of course, Doug. Greg keeps us posted on Doug’s successes. We missed seeing Doug a couple of years ago during their Albion frat golf outing. God willing, maybe one of these years. May God bless and comfort you and your family.
Barbara Lemanski.

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Pam Fine

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Andrew Steele

To the family of Mr. Parker, I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ll always be extremely appreciative for everything Mr. Parker did for me and the tremendous support he constantly showed me. His impact on my life is greater than he may have imagined, and I will try my best to make sure his belief in me doesn’t go unwarranted. Behind my dad and a few of my coaches that I played for, he was one of the more positive influences on my life. At times, he saw more potential in me than I saw in myself, and I'm forever thankful for that. Again, I’m really sorry for your loss and I’ll be praying for you and your family. Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can help in any way.

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Pam Fine

Eliza Parker

Missing Uncle Jeff a little extra today!! He truly was one of the most supportive influences in everyone's life. I am so proud to know and love him and I am dedicated to learn even more about him every day. My heart still breaks but I am humbled to know he is at peace with the man upstairs. I'll make sure to sing Feliz Navidad a little louder from now on. Love you always, Uncle Jeff!!

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Pam Fine

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Michael Merriweather

2004, Jacksonville, AL, USA

Jeff was such a blessing to my life. He encouraged me to be more and to do better with the ability that I had. He just wanted the best outta you and for that I am a better man. Such a great teacher and mentor. I’m grateful for the scholarship, internship, and the guidance.

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Pam Fine

Valentina Rugeles

2013, Jacksonville, AL, USA

Mr. Parker, my heart is shattered and I feel so sad to know that you aren’t with us anymore and I wish I could have more time to keep thanking you for all the wonderful things you did for me and all your support. I will never forget when you decided to give me a job at Sarrell (it was my first job ever) and then you decided to help me improved my English and you sat with me, Yessi and Brandy to sing everyday a song and you would explain the meaning of each song so I could learn English in a better way. Nobody knows it but me, landslide, rolling in the deep and many more songs that will always have a special meaning in my heart of memories of you and how you helped me to improve myself, to be better. You were always so caring and concerned about me to the point you used to call me “mochila” which means backpack in English. And even tho you were always so busy I always knew I can count on you for anything. Even tho we only met for few years you became so important in my life and your opinions and advices were extremely important to me. I will never forget the day when I introduced you to Yasir (my husband now) and you were so happy about us and gave us your blessing.. thank you so much for all you did for me!! Words will never be enough to express how thankful I am...
I will always miss you and I will always remember you in all the wonderful ways you help me! I will be forever grateful!

My deepest condolences to Mr. Parker’s family, he was certainly a wonderful person! Now, he will continue to guide us from heaven

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Pam Fine

Melanie Delap

2005, Jacksonville, AL, USA

He was known to be tough in class and students were a little more prepared for the real world because of it. But I saw a kind side to him too, where he really wanted to help students succeed. Teaching was one way to help students and his generous scholarship fund was yet another way. So sorry for the family's loss.

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Tracey Alderdice

I'm so sorry for your loss. While I never met Jeff, I work with his sister, Kim, and feel like I know the entire Parker family from her thoughtful and humorous stories! Prayers and peace for you all.

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Pam Fine

To all who have posted....

This weekend, we held a private gathering to lay Jeff to rest. Jeff’s wife, his mother, his in-laws, and siblings have all have been reading your posts. We are so incredibly appreciative of each tribute. We are all so proud of Jeff and the impact he has had on so many lives.
If possible, we hope to see you at his Celebration of Life on September 29th in Nashville.
Again, thank you for all of your tributes. They give us comfort.

Pam (Jeff’s sister)

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Chris Haugen

Mr. Parker was a great mentor, boss, and friend. He gave me opportunities that I never expected to have and I will be indebted to him for the rest of my life.

A better mark of his character is how hard he worked to help people in ways they will never know, the long hours he worked when he didn't have to do so for any personal gain, and the sacrifices he made of his irreplaceable time and effort. To do those things for no glory or even thanks shows the depth of his humanity and true feelings for others.

I will miss you, my friend.

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Glen Browder

Becky and I are very saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. I taught him at JSU and we remained friends over the years. He also helped me in my work as a public official. He leaves a huge legacy in many ways; and I am so proud to have known him. The family is in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers during this difficult time.

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John Comino

Pam Fine

Geraldi Mejia

Mr. Parker was the best proffesor I had while at Jacsonville State University. He was a great man. I trully enjoyed his clases and the acnetodes shared by him. He was by far the most encouraging and challeging professor I ever had. He always pushed everyone to become the best and persue excellence. I will never forget his teachings in life and business.

My sincere condolences to his family.

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Scott Phill

Too great a Man to lose.

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John Comino

I met Jeff when he came to Foster Farms in 1992. At that time I was young graduate with an engineering and MBA degree. As Jeff was several rungs above me the thought of ever interfacing with an executive of his level was a dream. Well my dream came true. Though the meeting I was invited to was a "bad situation" he immediately made me the focal point of the solution to the problem. And this was the start of Jeff's mentorship of me. He quickly promoted me through production finance and other areas of need and I became his go to guy. But sadly he left Foster Farms to further his career in Georgia at Crider Foods. He left me in such a good position at Foster Farms that the promotions were fast and numerous. But approximately two years later in 1996 I received a career changing call from Jeff to be a Vice President of the Crider companies raw processing operations. He believed in me so much that he gave a 32 year guy this immense opportunity "He made me" . Even though we were never quote on quote good friends and after he left Crider we communicated on a very infrequent basis my heart and soul had total admiration for what he did for me. One of my most enjoyable days in the years following was a visit to the Sarrell offices one afternoon and we had the time of our lives reminiscing about the old days and discussing what we were both doing professionally at the time. As i said we rarely conversed but I knew if I needed to seek out advise or guidance he would always be there. My big time to start to pay him back was in 2010 at the Superbowl in New Orleans. I made contact with him and offered him my vacation house for him and his friends to stay for the game weekend. When he showed up on Friday I met him and he sincerely thanked me for my generosity. i looked him straight in the face and said Jeff you made me who I am today and I will never be able to repay you for that and if you lived closer to me I would mow your lawn every weekend. It was a very emotional moment. Later I was told by a mutual friend that when I left he wept and I will admit I wept as I drove away. It was the last time I ever saw or talked to him. And tonight as I weep and write this all I can say is I feel the great sorrow for his Friends and Family and will never forget him he was a wonderful soul.

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Comments:

Pam Fine

Today is Jeff’s 65th birthday and it is a painful day that I am focused on turning into a celebration of ... Read more Today is Jeff’s 65th birthday and it is a painful day that I am focused on turning into a celebration of his life. I came back... Read more Today is Jeff’s 65th birthday and it is a painful day... Read more

Allison Floyd Doller

I met Jeff while a student at JSU in 2003. He took me under his wing and became a mentor who helped guide me to the start of my career. He was tough on those he believed in most, but very fair. Jeff truly was instrumental in shaping where I am today in my life both personally and professionally. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family. I now live in California and do not know how to reach his wife whom I met numerous times to send my condolences. Jeff touched many lives and I am blessed to have known him for so many years. May God provide peace and comfort to his loved ones.

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Doris Wade

Jeff was not only a friend from my college years at JSU, he became my dad’s greatest partner in getting Sarrell Dental and Eye Centers up and going so that the children of Alabama, who weren’t getting decent dental and eye care, could finally do so. Jeff was the driving force that made the company what it is today and his top notch skills, brilliant mind, and passion for getting things done the right way are the reason so many children in Alabama have been helped. I will always appreciate him for his hard work with Sarrell in fighting to make it successful, as well as his friendship, loyalty and devotion to my father, as Jeff helped him to carry out his dreams for Sarrell.
Know that Jeff will always hold a special place in the hearts of us that knew him and the special man he was.
May God bless you and bring you His peace as you move forward.

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Justin Lord

I am very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jeff. He was more than a teacher or an employer, he was a mentor and a friend. He challenged people to exceed their own expectations. He could be tough and raucous but also generous and quick to laugh. Whether he realized it or not, he had a major impact on a lot of people’s lives. For my part, I feel as if I am a better person because of my time with him. In this time of grief, please take solace in the knowledge that he will be truly missed.

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Lindsay Frey

2002, Oxford, AL, USA

I first met Mr. Parker while taking his class at Jacksonville State University. He came across as "scary" and very intimidating. Soon after getting to know him, I realized that he was a great man and deeply cared about his students and their success. Even after I graduated, he made it a point to keep up with me and my success. Several years after this, I found myself wanting to change careers, and he took a chance on me at Sarrell Dental. Through my 7 years at Sarrell Dental he never stopped believing in me, even before I believed in myself. He always had encouraging words for me and trusted me to get the job done. Over the years, Mr. Parker taught me many things about myself and how to handle many situations. I can truly say that he was one of my biggest fans and I will miss him very much! I feel very privileged to have been able to spend so much quality time with him and work for him. Most people do not get the opportunity to be close to such an accomplished and driven person.

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