Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 6-12-18

Local
37-1/2 Years Of Service: HCSO Major Says It’s Time To Step Aside
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
It may have been by hap- penstance that Willie Parker, Jr. became a Sheriff’s Deputy.
He had completed his sting in the military (U. S. Navy) when he decided to complete his education. He was thinking of becoming a teacher. He earned a degree in Business Education from the University of South Florida.
While a student, he en- countered the late Major Arnie Myers, the first African-American Major with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. “We took 2 classes together at USF and he asked me about applying for a job with the Sheriff’s Office. I did eventu- ally apply and that became my career,” he said.
Parker began his law enforcement career with the Hillsborough County Sher- iff’s Office in 1980 in the De- tention Office. He rose through the ranks from a Pa- trol, to Detective, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, to Captain, and he retired in December as a Major in the Community Outreach Divi- sion.
As he retires, Major
Parker expresses gratitude to the total community “for the support I’ve gotten throughout my career at the Sheriff’s Office. There are so many people who have played a part in my success,” he said.
Several weeks ago, Major Parker’s wife, Robin (of more than 40 years), and his children (2 daughters and a son - Iris, Melonee and Lee - and their families) hosted a re- tirement celebration in his honor, with family and friends in attendance.
Retirement will not find Major Parker sitting around. A 9-year-old nephew in the care of he and his wife, keeps him very busy. He keep in touch with many of those he worked with by keeping physically fit (boxing and weight training in the gym); playing golf, re- maining active in the church (where he teaches Sunday School and is on the Trustee Board) and reading many of the books from his collection gathered over the years. “And, of course I’ll have that ‘honey-do’ list to fulfill,” he said with a chuckle.
Major Parker is a member of the 29th Street Church of Christ. He has nu- merous awards and acco-
lades.
As his children said at the
retirement celebration: “he
taught by example through his dedication, commitment and service — always up
early studying and reading, and always encouraging us to be lifelong learners.”
Major Willie Parker, Jr. in an earlier photo with his wife, Robin, and daughter, Melonee.
Major Parker is shown with his sis- ters, Robin O’Neal, left, and Terry Roe.
Major
brother, Dyrell Parker.
Major Parker’s son, Willie Parker, III, better known as Lee, and his wife, Capetria.
Former Sheriff David Gee and his wife, Rhonda Gee attended the retirement event.
MajorParker’suncle,Abner Ford was greeted by Major Parker’s wife, Robin.
Ed Duncan of the Plant City Police Dept. and Frank
Parker’s
Maj. daughters,
and Iris.
Parker’s Melonee
Russo, Bern’s guests.
General Manager, Steakhouse were
Daughter
Michelle and Mildred Stone of HCSO, and wife, Jane abeth) McCray (Maj. Parker’s were among the guests. were among the guests. aunt) attended the event.
and
mother, Major Tom Freeney
Mr.andMrs.Nathaniel(Eliz-
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