Edward Earl Parker, Jr., 62, of De Leon, passed from this life and met his Lord and Savior face to face Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Odessa. Eddie was born September 14, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida to Edward Earl Parker, Sr., and Patricia Anderson. Eddie married his loving and devoted wife, Doddie Faye Shoemaker, June 5, 2019.

After completing high school, Eddie proudly served in both the United States Navy and the United States Army. He loved his country and was selfless in his service of others. Eddie moved to De Leon in 2018 but had proudly been a resident of Texas his entire adult life. Eddie and Doddie attended First Baptist Church of De Leon. He would try to serve his church in any way possible, often donating supplies to benefit the youth department. Eddie was employed by RFC Drilling in Odessa as a rig driller. He was injured while on the job site and later passed away from his injuries.

In his spare time Eddie loved to be outdoors. He would spend every day on a lake boating and fishing if he was able. He loved to ride motorcycles with Doddie and see the countryside. He was a talented cook and enjoyed feeding his entire family and many friends. Eddie loved music, all kinds of music. He had an eclectic taste and depending on his mood, you could be sure to hear him listing to just about anything. His family was his greatest joy in life. His days began with his family on his mind and ended with him giving thanks to his Lord for the blessing of his family. Eddie was loving, generous, authentic, hardworking, honest, and loyal. Anyone who knew him, grew to love him. He will be missed beyond measure by all who loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Doddie F. Parker; sons, Eddie Parker and wife, April; Barry Gatta and wife, Sarah, and Chris Gatta and wife, Devin; daughters, Kristin McNair and T.J. Doty;  and Lori Bilbrey; grandchildren, Evelyn Knecht, Caleb Morgan, Victor Amaya, Nicholas McNair, Alexis McNair, Layla Bilbrey, Rocky Bilbrey, Ethan Driver, Christopher Herring, Madison Gatta, Brooklyn Gatta, and Tanith Gatta; great-grandchildren, Adalynn Faye Morgan and Khalani Gatta; brothers, Jason Parker and Jerry Burton; sister, Lesley Parker Fox and husband, Eddie; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Eddie has been reunited with his parents.

Funeral services celebrating Eddie's life were held Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Brother Paul Winegeart officiating. Interment followed in De Leon Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Eddie Parker, Chris Gatta, Jerry Burton, Nicholas McNair, Victor Amaya, Caleb Morgan, and Rocky Bilbrey. If desired, memorial contributions may be made First Baptist Church, De Leon, in memory of Eddie.

Funeral services will be live streamed at: www.fbcdeleon.org