John Thomas Parker

John Thomas Parker, called Tom by family and friends, died on May 8, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Tom was born in Jacksonville, FL on January 31, 1947. Tom’s father, John Upchurch Parker, established a branch of Carlstedt’s Wholesale Florist in West Palm Beach, moving the family to Palm Beach County in 1950. Tom said he never lacked a corsage for the multiple proms he attended during his high school years. Tom’s mother, Laura Payne Parker from Winston-Salem VA, stayed home with Tom until her husband’s death and then started a career in banking. As a child, Tom was very interested in photography leading to building a small dark room in his bedroom where he could develop photos. He went on to be a photographer for his junior college newspaper and yearbook. He was a committed boy scout, an acolyte at Grace Episcopal Church, and an accomplished swimmer at Palm Beach High School. In college he started his life of service as president of the service organization Circle-K, and he began a lifelong commitment to blood donation with his first pint at Palm Beach Junior College (PBJC). He would go on to donate almost 50 gallons. During his teen years he became interested in flying and eventually earned his pilot’s license. He enjoyed taking friends flying over Palm Beach County in a Cessna 172. Tom met his future wife, Joyce Anne Cooney, in 1973, when they were both working toward their bachelor’s in computer science degrees at FAU. After several years of dating, they were married on January 28, 1978. Tom’s years as a family man were filled with joy as he and Joyce raised two children and spoiled four grandchildren. He was also very involved in the church life of St. David’s in the Pines Episcopal Church where he served in many capacities including Acolyte Master, Youth Group Leader, Eucharistic Minister, Lay Reader, and Outreach Co-Chair. After retirement Tom spent many hours giving back to his community as a volunteer with CROS Ministries. He also picked up a new hobby, long distance biking, which led to many wonderful adventures with new friends. As a Systems Analyst, Tom had a very successful career. He enjoyed the challenge of resolving computer issues while working for Good Samaritan Hospital, Burroughs/UNISYS, Implant Innovations, Inc., and PBC School District. But he was really a family man at heart. When one boss asked him to take a pager with him on a family vacation, he flat out refused. This was his time with his family. They never asked again. Tom is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Ryan (Rob), son Brandon (Aubrey), and grandchildren Harmony, Parker, Declan and Ciaran. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31st, at 1 PM, at St. David’s in the Pines Episcopal Church, 465 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414. A reception will follow immediately in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to CROS Ministries or Trustbridge Hospice.

John Thomas Parker

January 31, 1947 - May 8, 2025