Charles David Parker

Dave Parker died Friday, June 25, 2010, at his home in Bluffton, SC, of a sudden heart attack after doing his favorite hobbies, which were working in his garden and wood shop. He had recently enjoyed spending a week at the beach with his entire family.He was born on September 28, 1939, in Chattanooga, TN, to Ollie Burgess Parker and Carrol Alexander Parker. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elaine Mitcham Parker; his daughter, Peggy (Jim) Coons; his son, Steven (Jennifer) Parker; six grandchildren, Jessica and Amanda Coons, Kathryn, Chelsea, David, and Brooke Parker; and his sister, Dorothy (George) Shuford.Parker graduated from The McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN, earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, a Masters in Computer Systems Management from U.S.N. Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, and a MBA from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.He was proud to serve his country as a Naval Officer from 1962 to 1984. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold and served as a Navy Pilot flying numerous aircraft including P3A Orions from bases including the Azores, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Florida, and Saigon. He served in Vietnam and some of his awards include a Navy Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star. Parker retired as a Commander and worked in D.C. as the Vice President of a telecommunications company.Since moving to Hilton Head in 1990, Parker enjoyed working as Assistant Harbour Master at the Windmill Harbour Marina and was a past Commander of the Hilton Head Sail and Power Squadron. Parker was an active member of The Church of The Cross in Bluffton, SC. He was a past Master of the Hardeeville Masonic Lodge #348 and a member of the Alee Shrine, Savannah. Other Masonic affiliations were Hampton Commandery Knights Templar, Delta Chapter #20 Royal Arch Masons, Allendale Council #28 Royal and Select Masters, Savannah Scottish Rite, Charles Towne York Rite College No. 113, and 4th Masonic District Masters and Wardens Club.Parker was a member of the Retired Officers Association and the Country Club of Hilton Head. A funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 30, at The Church of The Cross, 110 Calhoun St., Bluffton with burial at 2:30 pm at Beaufort National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 til 8, Tuesday, June 29 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton. On line condolences may be sent to saulsfh.com.Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton, SC is assisting the family with their arrangements.