Ret. Capt. Gary Parker was reunited with his loved ones and Savior on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016 surrounded by his family at Covenant Care Center.

Gary was born in Fort Worth, TX to Sammie Lee Parker and Catharine Parker on January 17th, 1950. He was the oldest of three children. Gary and his family relocated to Panama City when he was a teenager. Gary graduated from Rutherford High School in 1968. After high school, he worked as a mechanic at Firestone Tires and helped establish the Hiland Park Volunteer Fire Department. He spent many weekends helping raise funds for the Fire Dept. at the Turkey shoot in Hiland Park. When the Panama City Mall opened its doors, Gary was hired to oversee the Security Dept. where he would remain for many years. Gary had a passion for helping others and became a fireman with the Panama City Fire Dept. on July 14th, 1981. He would serve 24 years as a fireman at PCFD and retired as a Captain on January 19th, 2005.

While working as Security at the Panama City Mall, Gary met his soulmate. He married Pam Clark on October 17th 1998. Gary loved spending time with Pam and his family, gardening and taking care of his little four-legged friend Lily.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Sammie Lee and Catharine Parker. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Pam Parker; three children, Jeffrey Johnstone and wife April, Holly Johnstone, James Johnstone and wife Doreen; ten grandchildren, Jay, Layne, Hailey, Adam, Will, James Michael, Chris, Gary, Morgan and Madison; brother, David Parker and sister Deborah Parker along with many other family and friends that he loved and adored.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 2pm in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm prior to service. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Humane Society of Bay County 1600 Bay Ave, Panama City FL 32405.