Hal "Chief" Charles (Dillard) Parker, 79, died March 17, 2011, in Wylie, Texas, of a sudden, mysterious illness.
Born Oct. 24, 1931, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Julia P. (McCants) and Hal C. Dillard. His father left the family and his mother re-married to Robert R. Parker when he was a toddler. He considered "Pops" his true father, loved him as one, and changed his last name to reflect those feelings while a young man.
Mr. Parker joined the United States Navy during the Korean War at age 15 (lied about his age) and served aboard the USS Oriskany and on Midway Island. He was also stationed at various bases in Coronado, Corpus Christi, Millington, and Jacksonville during his service. Among the first Avionics Electronics Technicians (ATC) in the Navy, he also spent lengthy "TDY's" at Grumman Aircraft Industries, where he was an integral part of the team that developed the updated electronics/avionics for the Navy's E2-A and E2-B "Hawkeye" reconnaissance aircraft.
Mr. Parker was an inaugural member and Senior Chief for the Carrier Aircraft Early Warning Systems Squadron (CAEWS) VAW-112, at North Island, Coronado. He also flew in the E2-A "Hawkeye" from the deck of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), under combat conditions, during the Vietnam War. For that duty, he was awarded The Air Medal twice, (with strike flight) for his service from Dec. 18, 1966, to June 12, 1967, among other awards. He retired in Dec 1967, with a "4.0" record, his gold stripes, and 5 Good Conduct medals. At age 56, he also gained his Bachelor's Degree from Pacific Western University in Los Angeles, Calif.
After his Naval career of more than 20 years, Mr. Parker settled in Texas and Maryland.
For a number of years, he was employed in management positions for several national computer manufacturers, but eventually left to start his own business. Alongside his wife, Ruth, he initiated two such businesses, both of which enjoyed many service contracts within the Federal and OGA sectors in and around Washington, D.C.
Mr. Parker was a lifelong sports enthusiast, playing on All-Navy Volleyball and Softball teams, as well as participating in numerous bowling and golf leagues. He was a member of the USAGA and PGA, through which he participated in Pro-Am Tournaments around the country for many years.
He was a member of the Casey Joyce VFW Post #4380 and American Legion Post #321, in Plano, Texas. In his later years, Mr. Parker also enjoyed the social hours at The Ranch House and Chili's in Wylie, Texas, along with his friends. Interestingly, most of his friends throughout his lifetime never knew his real or family nicknames - they only knew him as "Chief", and he truly enjoyed that moniker.
He married Ruth (Van Kleeck) Parker in California, 1951. They had five children and served together throughout his Navy career. They were divorced after nearly 37 years and Mr. Parker was married again twice for short periods (there were no children from either.)
Our Father passed on what would have been his Ulster-Scots/Irish Mother's 106th birthday - a day they both loved - St. Patrick's Day! Survivors include his sister, Dolores, his children, Katharine, June, Robert, Lorraine, and Sherry, his niece Kathleen, and all their extended family, including 9 grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren (now 15) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Daddy, Dad, Papa, Hal, Skip, Chief - We love you and you did your duty honorably and well. The command is issued - "Stand down now, we have the watch."
NOTE:
A memorial plaque was placed at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery apparently by members of his social circle or veteran's groups, and the photo appears on this page (incorrect DOB.) Our family thanks them for their consideration and we are grateful for their care and friendship to our Father in his later years. To be accurate, however, he was interred, with Military Honors and with our Mother, in Rose Hills Cemetery; Whittier, California. We'd also like to thank those who have left photos and flower memorials. (This page updated 4-4-23.)
Born Oct. 24, 1931, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Julia P. (McCants) and Hal C. Dillard. His father left the family and his mother re-married to Robert R. Parker when he was a toddler. He considered "Pops" his true father, loved him as one, and changed his last name to reflect those feelings while a young man.
Mr. Parker joined the United States Navy during the Korean War at age 15 (lied about his age) and served aboard the USS Oriskany and on Midway Island. He was also stationed at various bases in Coronado, Corpus Christi, Millington, and Jacksonville during his service. Among the first Avionics Electronics Technicians (ATC) in the Navy, he also spent lengthy "TDY's" at Grumman Aircraft Industries, where he was an integral part of the team that developed the updated electronics/avionics for the Navy's E2-A and E2-B "Hawkeye" reconnaissance aircraft.
Mr. Parker was an inaugural member and Senior Chief for the Carrier Aircraft Early Warning Systems Squadron (CAEWS) VAW-112, at North Island, Coronado. He also flew in the E2-A "Hawkeye" from the deck of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), under combat conditions, during the Vietnam War. For that duty, he was awarded The Air Medal twice, (with strike flight) for his service from Dec. 18, 1966, to June 12, 1967, among other awards. He retired in Dec 1967, with a "4.0" record, his gold stripes, and 5 Good Conduct medals. At age 56, he also gained his Bachelor's Degree from Pacific Western University in Los Angeles, Calif.
After his Naval career of more than 20 years, Mr. Parker settled in Texas and Maryland.
For a number of years, he was employed in management positions for several national computer manufacturers, but eventually left to start his own business. Alongside his wife, Ruth, he initiated two such businesses, both of which enjoyed many service contracts within the Federal and OGA sectors in and around Washington, D.C.
Mr. Parker was a lifelong sports enthusiast, playing on All-Navy Volleyball and Softball teams, as well as participating in numerous bowling and golf leagues. He was a member of the USAGA and PGA, through which he participated in Pro-Am Tournaments around the country for many years.
He was a member of the Casey Joyce VFW Post #4380 and American Legion Post #321, in Plano, Texas. In his later years, Mr. Parker also enjoyed the social hours at The Ranch House and Chili's in Wylie, Texas, along with his friends. Interestingly, most of his friends throughout his lifetime never knew his real or family nicknames - they only knew him as "Chief", and he truly enjoyed that moniker.
He married Ruth (Van Kleeck) Parker in California, 1951. They had five children and served together throughout his Navy career. They were divorced after nearly 37 years and Mr. Parker was married again twice for short periods (there were no children from either.)
Our Father passed on what would have been his Ulster-Scots/Irish Mother's 106th birthday - a day they both loved - St. Patrick's Day! Survivors include his sister, Dolores, his children, Katharine, June, Robert, Lorraine, and Sherry, his niece Kathleen, and all their extended family, including 9 grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren (now 15) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Daddy, Dad, Papa, Hal, Skip, Chief - We love you and you did your duty honorably and well. The command is issued - "Stand down now, we have the watch."
NOTE:
A memorial plaque was placed at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery apparently by members of his social circle or veteran's groups, and the photo appears on this page (incorrect DOB.) Our family thanks them for their consideration and we are grateful for their care and friendship to our Father in his later years. To be accurate, however, he was interred, with Military Honors and with our Mother, in Rose Hills Cemetery; Whittier, California. We'd also like to thank those who have left photos and flower memorials. (This page updated 4-4-23.)
Hal "Chief" Charles (Dillard) Parker, 79, died March 17, 2011, in Wylie, Texas, of a sudden, mysterious illness.
Born Oct. 24, 1931, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Julia P. (McCants) and Hal C. Dillard. His father left the family and his mother re-married to Robert R. Parker when he was a toddler. He considered "Pops" his true father, loved him as one, and changed his last name to reflect those feelings while a young man.
Mr. Parker joined the United States Navy during the Korean War at age 15 (lied about his age) and served aboard the USS Oriskany and on Midway Island. He was also stationed at various bases in Coronado, Corpus Christi, Millington, and Jacksonville during his service. Among the first Avionics Electronics Technicians (ATC) in the Navy, he also spent lengthy "TDY's" at Grumman Aircraft Industries, where he was an integral part of the team that developed the updated electronics/avionics for the Navy's E2-A and E2-B "Hawkeye" reconnaissance aircraft.
Mr. Parker was an inaugural member and Senior Chief for the Carrier Aircraft Early Warning Systems Squadron (CAEWS) VAW-112, at North Island, Coronado. He also flew in the E2-A "Hawkeye" from the deck of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), under combat conditions, during the Vietnam War. For that duty, he was awarded The Air Medal twice, (with strike flight) for his service from Dec. 18, 1966, to June 12, 1967, among other awards. He retired in Dec 1967, with a "4.0" record, his gold stripes, and 5 Good Conduct medals. At age 56, he also gained his Bachelor's Degree from Pacific Western University in Los Angeles, Calif.
After his Naval career of more than 20 years, Mr. Parker settled in Texas and Maryland.
For a number of years, he was employed in management positions for several national computer manufacturers, but eventually left to start his own business. Alongside his wife, Ruth, he initiated two such businesses, both of which enjoyed many service contracts within the Federal and OGA sectors in and around Washington, D.C.
Mr. Parker was a lifelong sports enthusiast, playing on All-Navy Volleyball and Softball teams, as well as participating in numerous bowling and golf leagues. He was a member of the USAGA and PGA, through which he participated in Pro-Am Tournaments around the country for many years.
He was a member of the Casey Joyce VFW Post #4380 and American Legion Post #321, in Plano, Texas. In his later years, Mr. Parker also enjoyed the social hours at The Ranch House and Chili's in Wylie, Texas, along with his friends. Interestingly, most of his friends throughout his lifetime never knew his real or family nicknames - they only knew him as "Chief", and he truly enjoyed that moniker.
He married Ruth (Van Kleeck) Parker in California, 1951. They had five children and served together throughout his Navy career. They were divorced after nearly 37 years and Mr. Parker was married again twice for short periods (there were no children from either.)
Our Father passed on what would have been his Ulster-Scots/Irish Mother's 106th birthday - a day they both loved - St. Patrick's Day! Survivors include his sister, Dolores, his children, Katharine, June, Robert, Lorraine, and Sherry, his niece Kathleen, and all their extended family, including 9 grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren (now 15) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Daddy, Dad, Papa, Hal, Skip, Chief - We love you and you did your duty honorably and well. The command is issued - "Stand down now, we have the watch."
NOTE:
A memorial plaque was placed at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery apparently by members of his social circle or veteran's groups, and the photo appears on this page (incorrect DOB.) Our family thanks them for their consideration and we are grateful for their care and friendship to our Father in his later years. To be accurate, however, he was interred, with Military Honors and with our Mother, in Rose Hills Cemetery; Whittier, California. We'd also like to thank those who have left photos and flower memorials. (This page updated 4-4-23.)
Born Oct. 24, 1931, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Julia P. (McCants) and Hal C. Dillard. His father left the family and his mother re-married to Robert R. Parker when he was a toddler. He considered "Pops" his true father, loved him as one, and changed his last name to reflect those feelings while a young man.
Mr. Parker joined the United States Navy during the Korean War at age 15 (lied about his age) and served aboard the USS Oriskany and on Midway Island. He was also stationed at various bases in Coronado, Corpus Christi, Millington, and Jacksonville during his service. Among the first Avionics Electronics Technicians (ATC) in the Navy, he also spent lengthy "TDY's" at Grumman Aircraft Industries, where he was an integral part of the team that developed the updated electronics/avionics for the Navy's E2-A and E2-B "Hawkeye" reconnaissance aircraft.
Mr. Parker was an inaugural member and Senior Chief for the Carrier Aircraft Early Warning Systems Squadron (CAEWS) VAW-112, at North Island, Coronado. He also flew in the E2-A "Hawkeye" from the deck of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), under combat conditions, during the Vietnam War. For that duty, he was awarded The Air Medal twice, (with strike flight) for his service from Dec. 18, 1966, to June 12, 1967, among other awards. He retired in Dec 1967, with a "4.0" record, his gold stripes, and 5 Good Conduct medals. At age 56, he also gained his Bachelor's Degree from Pacific Western University in Los Angeles, Calif.
After his Naval career of more than 20 years, Mr. Parker settled in Texas and Maryland.
For a number of years, he was employed in management positions for several national computer manufacturers, but eventually left to start his own business. Alongside his wife, Ruth, he initiated two such businesses, both of which enjoyed many service contracts within the Federal and OGA sectors in and around Washington, D.C.
Mr. Parker was a lifelong sports enthusiast, playing on All-Navy Volleyball and Softball teams, as well as participating in numerous bowling and golf leagues. He was a member of the USAGA and PGA, through which he participated in Pro-Am Tournaments around the country for many years.
He was a member of the Casey Joyce VFW Post #4380 and American Legion Post #321, in Plano, Texas. In his later years, Mr. Parker also enjoyed the social hours at The Ranch House and Chili's in Wylie, Texas, along with his friends. Interestingly, most of his friends throughout his lifetime never knew his real or family nicknames - they only knew him as "Chief", and he truly enjoyed that moniker.
He married Ruth (Van Kleeck) Parker in California, 1951. They had five children and served together throughout his Navy career. They were divorced after nearly 37 years and Mr. Parker was married again twice for short periods (there were no children from either.)
Our Father passed on what would have been his Ulster-Scots/Irish Mother's 106th birthday - a day they both loved - St. Patrick's Day! Survivors include his sister, Dolores, his children, Katharine, June, Robert, Lorraine, and Sherry, his niece Kathleen, and all their extended family, including 9 grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren (now 15) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Daddy, Dad, Papa, Hal, Skip, Chief - We love you and you did your duty honorably and well. The command is issued - "Stand down now, we have the watch."
NOTE:
A memorial plaque was placed at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery apparently by members of his social circle or veteran's groups, and the photo appears on this page (incorrect DOB.) Our family thanks them for their consideration and we are grateful for their care and friendship to our Father in his later years. To be accurate, however, he was interred, with Military Honors and with our Mother, in Rose Hills Cemetery; Whittier, California. We'd also like to thank those who have left photos and flower memorials. (This page updated 4-4-23.)
Gravesite Details
Dual marker with his wife, Ruth
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