Randolph James Parker

Randolph James “Randy” Parker passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the Veterans Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee, with Sandra, his beloved wife of 30 years, by his side. He fought health battles for many years; he is now free of pain and fear and has gone to his much-deserved rest. Our Heavenly Father is merciful.

Randy was born on January 15, 1946, in Merced, California, to James Walter and Gladys Elaine Parker. They lived in a Southern Pacific boxcar during the first few years of his life. He was named after Randolph Scott, a famous cowboy movie actor. Randy grew up in a railroad family and eventually worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad after leaving the Navy, where he served as an airplane mechanic during the Vietnam War.

Throughout his life, Randy had many different careers, including operating a high-end men’s clothing store, a pizza parlor, and a Montgomery Ward store. He also built saddles and chaps and worked as a photographer for the magazine Arizona Highways. He taught himself how to build a deck and later started his own construction company, Parker Construction.

Randy attended school in Oregon, Arizona, and Costa Mesa, California, where he graduated from Costa Mesa High School. His English teacher, Mr. Navarette, said he was a Renaissance man in the making, a description that proved true throughout his life. He was an excellent leather craftsman, particularly known for his saddle making. He had a wonderful voice and sang in church and for enjoyment. Randy loved art, reading, gardening, movies, travel, history, nature, and learning. Perhaps his greatest love, other than his wonderful wife, Sandra, was animals—especially horses and cats, which Sandra introduced him to.

He was a cowboy at heart because of the Parker side of his family, with its cowboy and railroad roots, but he also appreciated the finer things in life from the Arnold side of the family, his mother’s side. Therefore, the nickname “Cultured Cowboy” fit him perfectly.

Randy will be missed for his love of God, his loving nature, his great sense of humor, and his desire to help others. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date at his home, surrounded by the beautiful gardens he created.

In honor of Randy, please consider adopting a homeless animal. Randy always shared something his grandfather said: “Everything and everyone benefits from a kind word and a gentle touch.”

Happy trails to you, Randy, until we meet again. We will miss you.

The family of Randy Parker is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.