Beloved former owner/operator of Parker’s Automotive passes away

Larry Allen Parker

Larry Allen Parker, 65, of Davenport, Florida, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 12, 2017, helping his community clean up from the effects of Hurricane Irma.

He was born September 30, 1951, in Richmond, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his father, Peyton Albert Parker and his mother, Mary Croxton Parker Allen, 8 siblings and a great granddaughter, Riverlee.

He is survived by his beautiful wife and best friend of 23 years, Joyce Pryor Parker; 2 sons, Jamie Parker (Rosemary) and Shae Parker (Lisa); 6 daughters, Marla Young (Christopher), Dana Kerns (Jeff), Sandra Wetzel (James), Sherri Moser, Kristi Glass (Duane) and Jamie Martin (Jason); 20 grandchildren, Amber, Olivia, Kelsey, Amanda, Sara, Peyton, Katie, Kayla, Caroline, Natalee, Ryan, Skyler, Haylee, Nathan, Rachel, Katelyn, Jenna, Joshua, Ty and Lainey; 2 great grandchildren, Kaceton and Deklyn. He is also survived by a brother, Richard Parker (Grace), numerous nieces, nephews, countless friends and his 2 sweet boys (cats) Whiskers and Jack.

Larry was a lifelong car enthusiast beginning in 1968 with his first car, a brand-new Plymouth Road Runner… to those who knew him best it would be no surprise, it was factory purple. His last being a 1932 Ford Roadster, boasting over 1000 horsepower. His automotive passion ultimately led to his early career as a mechanic and eventually to his own business of more than 20 years as owner and operator of Parker’s Automotive in Front Royal, Virginia. A “jack of all trades” and master of most, he also owned and operated businesses as a home builder and satellite dish installer. After semi-retiring to Florida in 2008, he started his final business, Larry’s Enterprises where he made a name for himself offering home improvements in his community, Polo Park.

A man of many talents and interests, including but not limited to furniture building, antiques, clock repair and restoration, car shows and drag racing. More than anything, Larry loved his family and friends and would go out of his way to take care of their needs before his own. His smile was contagious, his jokes were always well-timed and his knowledge was limitless.

He will be remembered for many things, but none more than his ever-giving heart which in the end gave more than anyone will ever know.

A memorial service was held Sunday, September 17, 2017, 2 pm, Polo Park East Clubhouse, Davenport, Florida with Frank Foreman officiating. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Front Royal, Virginia, Saturday, October 7th. Details to be forthcoming. Please join us to share your memories and condolences with family and friends.