James Kenneth Parker

james parker

James Kenneth Parker, age 76, entered God’s Kingdom on Monday, March 4, 2024. Born in Danville on May 7, 1947, to the late James Truman and Mary Frances Preston Parker, he was an avid reader and Honorary Kentucky Colonel. Ken was a school teacher for over 25 years in the Trimble County Kentucky School District before he and his wife retired to the mountains of Sevierville, TN. He was known for his quick wit and fierce determination. Ken was strongly devoted to his Christian faith and an active member of the church, especially in the music community. He and his beloved wife enjoyed 50 years of marriage and traveling the world.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life, Rebecca Susan (Rogers) Parker, and sister, Roxie Lynn (Parker) Smock.
Ken is survived by and will be forever remembered by his nieces; Kelley Smock (Jimmy) Tennill and Kara Smock, son; Wayne (Pamela) Jones, great nieces and nephews; Parker, Alex, Tevin, Jacob, and Aliyah, his brother-in-law Ed Smock, many other cousins, extended family members and lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Stith Funeral Home, 318 W Broadway Street, Danville, KY, with Pastor Nickie Fox officiating. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at Bellevue Cemetery.

Services

Visitation: April 13, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Stith Funeral Home - Danville
318 West Broadway
Danville, KY 40422

(859) 236-2113

Memorial Service: April 13, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 am

Stith Funeral Home - Danville
318 West Broadway
Danville, KY 40422

(859) 236-2113

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I grew up just down the street from Kenny and Roxie. I have many wonderful childhood memories of both of them. My condolences to the family .
    Robby Pendygraft

  2. Was a good friend all through grade school and High School. Sad that we lose track of our schoolmates until we see their obits. Prayers for those left behind. God bless. Bonnie M.

  3. Our favorite memories of Uncle Ken will always be Thanksgiving every other year with all of Aunt Susie’s brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends! All there was to see and do from Apple Barn dinners to all the desserts and food they would have at their mountain top haven! If you google mountaintop haven, Sevierville, TN is 1st on list so yes, they put it, Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg on the map for us as one of our favorite destinations!! I think of them every time I hear “The Smoky Mountains”. It was always so good to get together with family!
    Really miss his mussed-up hair looking like he just crawled out of bed during our yearly visits to UK games “Go Cat’s “and his happy-go-lucky busting a gut kind quiet personality! His newfound knowledge of the cell phone goes down in history because it earned him his nickname Uncle Radio! When he put his ear up to the phone and heard it ringing, that look of utter amazement, realization, and excitement that it worked and he was so happy, it was priceless! Haha LOL
    I want to mention his heartfelt gift of special China dishes to KyLee & Scott on their wedding day. His attached a note of genuine emotional adoration and compassion for Aunt Susie and their love, it was so heart- wrenching for him to give away something that meant so much, so he kept one set. He shared their story to pass down, a simple reminder of unfeigned love that kept going and a true testament to faith, hope, devotion, family, and love will be in our hearts forever!

  4. Awe Kenny, this journey called life, has taken us down many roads, right cousin?! All that matters now, is that you are with our Lord and Savior. I will miss your infectious laughter and so much more. Until we meet in Heaven, REST IN PEACE❣️

  5. So sorry for your loss. Our families were neighbors at Park Hills & attended Junction City School together. We had good times with Kenny & his family. They were great friends. I know he will be missed by all that knew & loved him. Rest In Peace old friend.

  6. So sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. He and Susie were a great couple. Always enjoyed encountering them, usually in Gatlinburg during Spring Break when we were all still teaching. As far as I know we are the last of the Henry and Alie Parker grandchildren.

  7. Our hearts are saddened at the loss of our friend and one of our church family members. We have so many wonderful memories of bible studies and singing with him in choir. Ken was so witty, delightful, and a true man of God. He and Susie always went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect for Christmas service. They would pick up beautiful live poinsettias to adorn the altar at Walden’s Creek in remembrance of our loved ones. We will love him and miss him always. God bless you Ken and rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and Savior. We are confident that God has said “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.

  8. I didn’t I have the pleasure of meeting Kenneth, although he sounds a whole lot like me. I would like to have more contact with family but I’m in Stanford now was in Lexington where I ran my business you can reach me at 859-913-9670, or EdParker05@gmail.com.


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