Raymond Jerry Parker, age 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 29, 2010.

Raymond was born October 19, 1924 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to A.G. and Ida (Brawley) Parker.
Raymond attended school in Mason and later enlisted in the Army. On April 15, 1946, Raymond married the true love of his life, Ella Ruth (Cavness) Parker, in Abilene, Texas. Raymond and Ruth just recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Together they raised three wonderful children in the Mason and worked hard to get through two tragedies in their lives. In 1970, their son Gary Ray was killed in a car wreck while traveling home from college in San Angelo. Later, in 1979, their son Jerry, his wife Kristi (Zesch) Parker, and their son Jeremy Jay were killed in a car wreck traveling home from Fredericksburg.
Throughout his life, Raymond was a very involved member of his community and his country.
He proudly served his country in World War II. Raymond was a respected businessman and owned Hi­Way Garage for many years and then Carquest Auto Parts until his retirement. After retirement, he enjoyed ranching in Mason and Menard counties. Raymond loved hard work, and he often told his family that hard work was a challenge for him. One of his favorite hobbies was going to Mas-O-Llan fishing and riding his dune buggy along the banks of the river with his wife, family, and friends. Fried fish and homemade pound cakes were Raymond's specialties. His grandchildren were "the apple of his eye." Raymond often took Jody and Jennie on weekend fishing trips to the Llano River. He loved following his grandchildren in all of their activities.


Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, two sons Jerry and wife Kristi, son Gary, and grandson Jeremy Jay. Raymond was also preceded in death by his brothers Jesse, R.A. (Cotton), Pete, and . Paul Parker.
Survivors include his wife Ella Ruth Parker of Mason, daughter and son-in-law Connie and T.J.
Webster of Pontotoc, grandson Jody Webster of Pontotoc, and granddaughter Jennie Armes and husband Jim Bob ofPontotoc. He is also survived by one brother Clifford Parker and wife Marjorie of Mason, one sister-in-law Pearline Parker of Lubbock, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.
Pallbearers include Scott McMillar,Vernon Parker, Rolly Lumpkins, Jeff Cavness, Jason Cavness, Laird Palmer, George Brannies, and Jorge Contreras, Honorary Pallbearers include J. W. Haines, Jack Crouch, L.H. McMillan, Roy Lehmberg, Rae Lehmberg, Gary Parker, Jordan Zesch, Bruce Robbins, and Jimmy Walker.
A special thanks to Scott, Amanda, Vernon, Jorge, Mely, and Ana for taking such good care of Raymond and Ruth. You were all very special to Raymond and he loved each of you very much.

Funeral services for Raymond Parker will be on Sunday May 2, 2010 at 2:00pm in the Mason Funeral Home with Pastor Chad Barnett and Ray Ash officating. Interment will follow at Gooch Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday May 1, 2010 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm