Raymond Joseph Parker left this world to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Raymond was surrounded by the love of his family and many friends when he passed. Raymond was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on December 26th, 1958, to Don R. Parker Sr. and Argentina (Tina) Parker. His priorities for 59 years were his family and friends. Raymond and Leslie were married on October 22, 1983. They spent 35 glorious years full of laughter and being the love of each other’s life. Raymond lived most of his life in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was the Operation Manager for a local telecommunications company for over 30 years. Raymond was a hard working and dedicated employee who was respected and loved by all who worked with him, from his technicians to his customers. Raymond was an avid sports fan who enjoyed his many years of coaching baseball, softball and soccer. Not only did he inspire the kids he coached to numerous championships, he was also instrumental in improving the conditions under which they played. Raymond was a beloved coach for the care and concern he shared for each player and his care and concern reached far beyond the ball field. Raymond is survived by his wife Leslie Reed Parker and their two children, Daniel Robert of Thomasville, Georgia and Courtney Mackenna of Gainesville, Florida and their beloved dog Lexie. Beloved family members include his mother Tina Parker, his brother Don and his wife Susan and their three children, Christopher, Jordan and Shannon. Sisters Edna Mann of Tallahassee, Florida and Dawn Parker Ivancic and her husband Martin Ivancic of Morganton, North Carolina, and their two children Alison and her husband Kyle Morgan of Raleigh, North Carolina and Maggie and her husband Aaron Hayworth of Efland, North Carolina, also included are great nephews Ethan, Jack and Mason. Father and Mother- in- law Bob and Kay Reed of Crestview, Florida sister -in -law Angie VanDiver and her husband Charlie and daughter Melissa and granddaughter Selah. All will sorely miss Raymond’s courage, warmth, compassion, loving nature, sense of humor and a smile so bright that it would light up the cloudiest of days. We will miss you greatly, Raymond.  The family would like to thank Dr. Mose Hayes III, MD and his staff at the Sacred Heart Cancer Center, along with Dr. Warren R. Amos and his staff at 21st Century Oncology. Visitation will be held at the Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Monday, January 8th, Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on Tuesday, January 9th from 6 – 7:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers please make your donation to Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, 752 Lovejoy Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548.

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