Ivy Ray Parker

Ivy Ray Parker of Kenton entered Heaven to enjoy his eternal home with Jesus, March 28, 2024. Funeral services will be conducted in the Rutherford chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home, Monday, April 1, 2024, at 3PM. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Dyersburg, TN.

Ray started work as a young teen on Finley Road in Dyersburg, driving a tractor for his lifetime friends, the late Jack & Martha Clark. His 50 years of dedicated work included construction, farming and 24 years of service to Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Union City. Ray and his late wife, Barbara Anderson, settled in Kenton and were married 33 years. Barbara passed November 1992.

In 1993, Ray married his second wife, Beverly. They were blessed with 30 years of marriage. Ray retired from Goodyear, June of 2000. His time in retirement was filled with family, church, carpentry, farming, gardening, and travel. He loved New Concord Baptist Church, holding many offices and serving as an active member. Ray was also a member of the Kenton Masonic Lodge.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; children, Kenny (Karen) Parker, Joel (Angela) Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Jayce Holman, Jason Thomas, and Candie Thomas. Loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren cherish ‘Papa’s’ memory.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Perry & Birdie Parker; sisters, Blondell Hargrove, Ruby Alexander; brother, Raymond Parker; daughters, Demetria Parker, Marcia Mann; sons, Ewell Anderson, Gerald ‘Corky’ Thomas; and precious granddaughter, Emily-Kate Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Obion County Fair Association (PO Box 126, Union City, TN 38281), one of Ray’s greatest joys was working at the gate every summer at the fairgrounds with late friend, EC Eddings. He always saw many old friends and made new friends.

This loving kind good man will be missed.

The family will receive friends, Monday, April 1, 2024, from 11AM until time of service, at the Rutherford chapel.

Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Ivy Ray Parker.