James Ray Parker passed away peacefully on September 11, 2022, at the Hospice House of Union County in Monroe, NC. He was reunited with his wife and love of his life for 72 years, Margaret Mac Parker as he entered his heavenly home.

Services will be held from the graveside at Lakeland Memorial Park at 11:00am on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Mr. Parker will be laid to rest with military honors.

Ray was born in Monroe, NC on April 25, 1927, to Raymond and Ruth Parker. He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church in Monroe and later Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church. He was also involved in projects at the church. He loved community involvement and worked many days volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Ray was a US Army Veteran and served in WWII. Ray was an active member of the VFW. He completed his education at Wingate College after the war. He married Margaret Mac Bowles on July 23, 1948. Ray started his career on Main Street Monroe as an assistant manager to Newberry's. Later, Ray managed Bowles and Feed Store, the family business in Monroe. Ray always loved the outdoors and farming and in 1967 he purchased a farm in Union County and raised cattle and turkeys. His greatest passion was working on the farm with his wife and together they established the "Bonnie Jay Kennel", which produced many beautiful show dogs. They loved traveling in their motor home and spent many happy and fulfilling days traveling and showing their dogs at Dog Shows. Ray's smile was contagious, and he was an inspiration to all that knew him. He loved laughter and had a keen sense of humor that brought pleasures to his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in passing by his wife, Margaret and his grandchildren, Michelle, and Ryan Simpson; sister, Lou Doris Benton; brothers, Bobby Parker, and Franklin Parker.

He is survived by his son, James Ray Parker Jr. and wife Amy of Indian Trail, NC; daughter, Shelley Simpson and husband Charlie of Lancaster, SC; and son Richard Phillip Parker and wife Glenda of Monroe, NC. Eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The service is postponed to a later date. Please check back for the updated service details. Memorials may be made to Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church, 6722 NC-218 Marshville, NC and/or the Hospice House of Union County. The family would like to express their utmost thanks and appreciation to all the Hospice and Brookdale Assisted Living staff for their compassion and outstanding care given to Ray.

Holland Funeral Serving the Parker Family.