Gene Ray Parker

Gene Ray Parker, 93, of Robinson, IL, died September 23, 2020, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was born December 12, 1926, in Flat Rock, IL, the son of Chester L. Parker & Bessie Jane (Taylor) Parker, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Gale Parker, Gilbert Parker, Hubert Parker, and Dannie Parker; and two sisters, Eloise Parker and Laura Bell Tuttle. Gene married Shirley Jean Jackson on February 23, 1962, and to them were born a daughter, Lisa A. Parker (57), of Greencastle, IN, and son, Todd L. Parker (50) & wife Beth of Fort Collins, CO, who survive. He is also survived by his son, Kevin Parker (60) & wife Daun of Olney, IL; by his step-son, Frank L. Lindley (63), of Robinson, IL; by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Gene grew up in the Flat Rock area before being drafted to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Over the course of his time in the service, he earned three battle stars for his part in bringing the U.S. victory in the Pacific theater. Following his discharge, he made his way back home, finding work with L.S. Heath & Sons for a time. Anyone who knew Gene could attest to the fact that he was a natural when it came to sales. This, paired with his love of cars, made for a very satisfying and successful career as a car salesman. He got his start at Brown Motor Sales and ended up in management and sales at Acme Chevrolet, which became Ickes Chevrolet in 1979. Over the course of his career, Gene consumed 1,093,500 cups of coffee, made a total of 3,280,500 calls totalling over 9,841,500 minutes (or 6.8 years!) What's more, he pulled 2,187,000 sets of keys, drove 204,120 screws, and wrote $38,800,000 of business, all while agitating Jack Frakes 437,400 times!!! Suffice it to say, by the time he retired in 1996, he had won more awards and received more plaques for selling cars than could be counted. Never one to let dust settle, time outside of the dealership found this salesman setting up tables at countless knife shows, and this was a great source of joy in his life; as was his morning coffee with friends at Hardee's. He was also an avid traveler, and frequented Gatlinburg, TN and Branson, MO with his beloved family. They will remember Gene as a relational guy who built up a large network of friends over his 93 years. He was ever-approachable and loved to talk to people, especially about his family. He was known to speak highly of his wife and was always bragging about his children and grandchildren. He left them many joyful memories, as well as a picture of what it means to live, and live well. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID-19 MANDATES PASSED BY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE, AND IT WILL BE REQUIRED THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR FACE COVERINGS. A celebration of Gene's life will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice, and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.