Thomas Keith Parker

If the amount of tears shed by his daughters are any indication, Thomas Keith Parker left this world completely and utterly loved. Through kisses, caresses and gentle touches, his last days were filled with attempts to demonstrate a thankfulness and love that full hearts could not express with mere words. We wasted no time pondering regrets or asking "What if..." because our daddy taught us to love deeply and laugh often while we had the chance. Instead, we focused on giving thanks for a life well lived and time well spent.

We so desperately tried to thank him for all the memories--sometimes humorous, sometimes humorously inappropriate but always full of love. We sought to express our gratitude for the model he set for us--his work ethic, his ingenuity in solving problems and his generosity. We strove to convey the absolute unconditional love we felt for this incredible man. As he peacefully took his last breaths this side of heaven, we firmly believe he knew how very special he was to all of us.

And though our weeping may last for the night, our joy comes in the promise that we will see his smiling face again one day.

Our daddy, Thomas "Buddy" Keith Parker, entered into this world on July 7, 1943, into the loving care of James David and Leola Eleanore Hagin. He was ushered to his heavenly home on November 9, 2021, where his wife, Cheryl Lynn (Sayre) Parker, was waiting to welcome him with open arms.

Those 78 years between birth and death were filled with some of the most beautiful moments that brought tears of both joy and sadness. They were filled with the satisfaction of jobs well done as he labored to build, create and restore. And they were filled with the affection of a gentleman who loved with his whole being. They were filled in such a way that he was able to lay his head peacefully down to rest having lived a wonderful, full life.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his son, John Keith Parker, and his sister, Mary Ellen Skains.

So many are left here on earth to cherish his precious memory: his daughters, Jeanette (Kenneth) Nuckels, Debra Parker, Kara (Chris) Shuff and Kelli (Michael) Reardon; his sisters, Patty Hay and Deanna Arnold; his grandchildren, Sarah Clemins, Jessica Nuckels, Rebecca Akins, Taylor Nuckels, Kandi Nuckels, Tesse Nuckels, Marissa Afanador, Maddie Parker, Jesse Parker, PJ Parker, Regan Parker, Christopher Shuff, Korie Shuff, Jonathan Shuff, Tanner Reardon, and Natalie Reardon; and his great-grandchildren, Cameron Clemins and Nora Clemins. We will certainly recall memories of him with smiles, laughter and tears as we gather around the dinner table he crafted with his lined, callused hands. We will speak of him often as we teach our children the "Parker Rules" for Rummy. And we will ensure that our children and grandchildren know how he enriched our lives with his strength and love. His legacy will continue as we pass along the lessons he taught us--how to love unconditionally being the most important of all.

A celebration of his life that is sure to include hilarious, and mildly inappropriate, memories of this great man will be held Sunday, November 14 from 11:00 am to 1:00pm with the service beginning at 1:00 pm at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, West Virginia. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, WV.

While masks are not required you might consider wearing one before entering the building as we all attempt to stop the spread of COVID 19.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements were made by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.