Robert 'Bob' Charles Parker, Jr.

Robert Charles Parker Jr. , age 68, of Maryville, known to friends and family as Bob, was a man who lived life in the fast lane, even when he wasn't behind the wheel of an eighteen-wheeler. Born on February 7, 1956, in Camden, New Jersey, Bob's journey on this earth came to a peaceful end on July 4, 2024, at UT Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, after a lengthy haul with an illness he faced with the tenacity of a cross-country trucker.

Bob was the beloved son of the late MaryAnn and Robert Parker Sr., of Miami, FL. His spirit is carried on by a convoy of family members, including his daughter Heatherlyn (Alex) Ali, of Knoxville; step-son Matthew (Jordan) Perkins of Georgia; and adopted daughter Tina Klein of Maryville. He was the brother who always had a wisecrack for his siblings Rosemarie (Paul) Conte and Sandy Irizarry of Florida; MaryAnn (Tom) Minton, Scott (Lilly) Parker, and Beatrice (Paul) Mercer, all of Maryville. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Sarah Ali of NY, Justin (Grace) Ali, Zainub Ali, Mariam Ali, Zachary Ali, Fatima Ali of Knoxville; Josh Perkins, Austin Perkins, and Jacob Perkins of Maryville; Josh Whaley, Tasha Roberts, Bridgett (Jake) Green all of Maryville—and four great-grandchildren, a fleet of nieces and nephews that adored him along with many life long friends. 

Before he hung up his keys, Bob was an over-the-road semi-truck driver. He navigated the highways and byways of America, bringing humor and a hearty laugh to truck stops across the country. In his later years, before shifting into retirement, he worked on the business side of trucking, where he was known for regaling his colleagues with tales from the road that were often larger than life, much like his personality.

As the sun sets on Bob's final mile marker, we imagine him cruising on a heavenly highway, telling jokes on the CB radio to angels, and keeping an eye on us all with that same mischievous grin. Bob Parker Jr., you were one of a kind, and you will be dearly missed. Keep on truckin', good buddy, until we meet again.

 Celebration of Life will be from 3:30 until 7:00 PM Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Topside Studio, 1543 . Old Topside Road, Louisville.  Cremation Done ProperlyTM under the care of Dotson Funeral Home, Wildwood.  (865-984-5959)  Online Book of Memories - www.dotsonfuneralhome.com

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