Joyce Emanuel Parker

Mr. Joyce Emanuel Parker (Lucky), age 89, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2016 in Bartow, FL. Born January 16, 1927 in Roberts, AL, he was the son of the late Samuel E. and Carlie (Findley) Parker. Mr. Parker moved to Bartow in 1947 where he met Marguere Coffee (Pete), his wife of 65 years. After 37 years, Mr. Parker retired from Swift and Co., in Bartow, where he worked as a plant manager. Joyce was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in WWII. Called “Lucky” by his army buddies, the nickname remained throughout the rest of his life. Lucky was an amateur radio operator (K4EBO) for over 60 years and worked with Polk County Emergency Operations Services for over four decades. He was an active member of the Polk County Ham Club and taught amateur radio exam preparation classes. Mr. Parker is preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife Marguere Parker of Bartow, his children: Glenna Parker Sirmans of Bend, OR, Marilyn Parker Oliver (Sean) of Birmingham, AL, Terry Parker (Karen) of Lakeland, his granddaughter, Camden Sabat (Tim), step-grandsons: Kristopher Kissel, Tyler Kissel, and great grandsons: Parker Sabat, Macon Sabat, The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 19th from 1pm to 2pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow.