Charles Ray Parker

Charles Ray Parker, 84, passed away on April 12, 2026, at Texas Health Mansfield in Mansfield, Texas. He was born on September 9, 1941, at Hill Lake Farm in Wynona, Texas, to Albert Marcus and Lonie AreMeadow Parker.

Charles grew up in East Texas. After high school, he began working for Western Foundry and Consolidated Rose Nursery. He later went on to become a professional truck driver, working for Martin Brower, Ace Hardware, and ultimately Walmart, where he completed his driving career before retiring. In his retirement, he continued working with Lee Engineering, where he took pride in helping others.

Throughout his trucking career, Charles received several safe driving awards, including the remarkable achievement of driving 2,000,000 miles without an accident.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Marcus and Lonie AreMeadow Parker; his siblings, Murrell Parker, James (Joyce) Parker, and Evelyn Pardue.

He is survived by his sisters, Mary Dyess and Betty (Bill) Vickery; his daughter, Angela Parker of Alvarado, Texas; his son, Charles Ray Parker, Jr. of Kaufman, Texas; and his daughter, Tammy (Thomas) LaLonde of Kennedale, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Hope Miranda, Parker Bowman, Brooke Birr, Blake LaLonde, Peyton Hughes, and Chevy Parker; his great-grandchildren, Kynlee Jahansouz, Kaden Miranda, Regan Miranda, Logan Miranda, Hudson Miranda, Greyson Miranda, and Baker Birr; and his former spouse, Rose Elizabeth Parker.

A graveside service will be held at Emerald Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 500 Kennedale Sublett Rd, Kennedale, TX 76060, at 2:00 p.m. on April 16, 2026.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Calvin Spencer and all of the staff at Texas Health Mansfield and Hollie Lowe, LPC, NCC, for their care and support. Charles was a bright light—always kind, positive, and full of love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.