Joseph Daniel Parker, Jr., "Tic", born October 14, 1931 in Phoenix, Arizona, Booker T. Washington Hospital, 216 E. Washington. He was the only son of Joseph D. Parker Sr. and Erma B. Coe Parker Harris. Joe transitioned on September 9, 2007. Joe attended elementary grades at Booker T. Washington School and Dunbar School. He attended Carver High School 1947-1950. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served until 1954. When he got out of the service he attended Phoenix College and graduated in 1956. In 1955 Joe began working for Mountain Bell Telephone Company. Mt. Bell would only hire African Americans as janitors, and this was the position he had until Civil Rights laws were passed. Joe then worked in various positions for Mt. Bell. He retired after 38 years in January, 1993. Joe has one daughter from his first marriage to Opal Weaver, Siretha L. Parker and grandson, Jarran Parker who resides in California. Joe married Ruth Graham on August 28, 1970. They were married 37 years this year. He has three stepchildren, Heidi Graham, Tempe, AZ, Deidre Hefel, Elburn, Illinois, Frankie Graham, deceased. From this marriage there are four grandchildren, Trevor Graham, Zachary Stavinsky, Isaac Hefel and Emma Ruth Hefel. Joe was diagnosed with Lewy Body Parkinson's in 2002. He attended John C. Lincoln Adult Day Care from 2002-2006. In fall 2006, he began residing in a private care home. Joe's physicians and therapists were all part of Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Center. Since early 2007, he has been cared for by Hospice of the Valley. No matter where he was, everyone loved him. Joe loved his friends from childhood, Andrew "Mucho" Williams, J.C. Walker, Don Christopher, Roosevelt "Rip" Woods and "Barbecue" Jack Martin. Joe was well loved by friends and family and will be received on the other side with open arms. Services will be held Saturday, September 22nd at 11:00 am at Creative Living Fellowship Church, 6530 N. 7th St., 602/906-4080. Donations in Joe's memory can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or to Creative Living Fellowship Church
