James Howard Parker, Sr., 72 of Covington, Virginia, died Saturday, March 28, 2015.

He was born April 17, 1942 in Talcott, WV, a son of the late Theodore Kyle Parker and Hilda Allen Parker Simms.

Mr. Parker served with the United Sates Air Force during the Vietnam War.

He was an employee of the former Hercules Inc. plant in Covington and retired in 2004 from AET Corporation after 40 years of total service. He was a member and former officer of Local 84 IBEW. He was a benefactor member of the NRA.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Shirley Wilson Parker of Covington; five children, Donna Lewis and her husband, Hilton of White Sulphur Springs, WV; Diane Perkins and her husband, Kent of Montvale; Julie Atkins and her husband, Keith of Clifton Forge; Edie Lane of Roanoke and James H. Parker, Jr. and his wife, Linda of Covington; 12 grandchildren; three great grandchildren and two brothers.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. in Alleghany Memorial Park with the Pastor Frank Sizemore, Sr. officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside.

The family will receive friends Monday evening March 30, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Moss Run Baptist Church.

The family suggests that memorial donations may be made in Mr. Parker's name to Mountain Regional Hospice, P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.