Patrick Dale Parker

Patrick D. Parker, Sr. (Pat, a.k.a. The Big Rockin' Daddy from Cincinnati), 81, of Sevierville, Tennessee, passed peacefully December 15, 2024. He was born March 27, 1943, in Amarillo, Texas, to the late John A. Parker, Sr. and Ruby Mae K. Parker.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel (Cookie); siblings Johnnie Lou and John Jr.; six children – Kim, Patrick, Allison, Vicki, Rebecca, and Patricia; thirteen grandchildren – Alissa, Anthony Jr., Adam; Gabriella; Lauren, Alexa, Amanda; Heather, Cliff, Hope, Victoria; Katherine and Nicholas; eighteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and Vicki, Rebecca, and Patricia's very patient significant others – Micha, Mark, and Marc. In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by his siblings Francis, Michael, Delilah, Terry, and Mel; grandchildren Brandi and Christian; and great-grandchild Brelynn. Pat also had two other siblings, Thomas and Raelynn, whose whereabouts are unknown. 

Pat loved spending time with "the little ones," and could often be found cooing at the babies or joining the kids on the floor to play horsey. He had a passion for basketball, the legendary Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, the New Orleans Saints (even during paper bags years of the 1980s), and working in the yard. He told many stories about his youth and growing up in New Orleans' Irish Channel. His favorite drinks came from the Half Moon Bar or Pete's Irish Channel Bar; and "the only roast beef po'boy worth eating" came from Parasol's. Pat spent most of his working years in the rent-to-own business; starting at ABC Rentals, moving to DEF Enterprises where he worked his way up to vice president, then franchising with ColorTyme, and eventually helping to "write the book" for Rent-A-Center. He was extremely proud to be the first franchisee to be twice recognized as owner of the year with ColorTyme's Crystal Eagle Award.

Pat's family and friends will remember him as generous – picking up the dinner bill or next round of drinks, covering bills or groceries for family members, and even taking over the note on a car and a boat when needed. Pat loved to dance and rocked out to the Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Some of his favorite memories were seeing the Rolling Stones at the New Orleans Superdome in 1994 and dancing with everyone to "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge at every one of their weddings and many family gatherings, parties, bar-b-ques, and crawfish boils.

Pat's life will be celebrated in 2025. His ashes will be spread "down the bayou" in Louisiana where he felt his most free and made cherished memories of hunting nutria, fishing, shrimping, and getting lost.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Pat's memory to the LeConte Medical Center Patient and Employee Assistance Fund at https://philanthropy.covenanthealth.com/a/dr-thomas-foundation. The nurses and staff there were truly wonderful to Pat and his family during his last days. His family would also appreciate it if you take a moment to reflect on and share your fond memories of Pat.

The obituary was submitted by Pat's loving family.

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