Carrol Parker

Carrol Dolan Parker finished his life, following a lengthy illness, at a robust 86 years of age on Friday, October 24, 2008, in Abilene, Texas, at Abilene Regional Medical Center. His dear wife, Ruby Lee, also 86, was there to see him off. Dolan and Ruby Lee were members of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, and were active in church life as long as their health permitted. He was Dolan to those who knew him well, husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to those of us who will remember him.

Dolan was born August 3, 1922, to Hugh and Pearl Parker in Hollis, Oklahoma. Dolan and his brother and two sisters, Norris, Maudean and Edith, spent their early years working on the family farm. Later, when they opened Parker Furniture in Hollis, Oklahoma, Dolan worked there until joining the Army Air Corps to serve in World War II.

Dolans life would never be the same again after 1943, when the stunning 20 year old Ruby Lee Price walked through the front door of Parker Furniture. Dolan looked up from the register and his heart knew love. After a whirlwind romance, Dolan and Ruby Lee married in 1944. The following two summers their daughters, Charlsa and Sue, were born.

Dolan and Ruby Lee spent a fulfilled and peaceful life in Hollis, Oklahoma, where they ran Parker Furniture and were members of First Baptist Church of Hollis; in Eastland, Texas, where they retired by the lake and were active members of Lake Leon Baptist Church; and finally in Abilene, Texas, where they spent time with family.

Dolan and Ruby Lee spent their lives in the service of God and raised two wonderful Christian daughters. Dolan loved to spend time with his grandchildren and thrilled them by singing maritime songs. He grew verdant gardens until the very end, filling the lives of those around him with the perfume of flowers, and filling the plates and bowls of those around him with the fruits of the earth.

Dolan is survived by his wife, Ruby Lee; his brother, Norris Parker; his daughters, Charlsa Haynes and husband Perry, and Sue Strickland ; his grandchildren, Melissa Hamilton, Carly Andrews and husband Chris, Michele Haynes and husband Cody Garrison, Matthew Haynes and wife Ashley; and by his great grandchildren, Abigail and Isabella Hamilton, Kassidy Haynes, and Charis and Price Andrews.

His funeral service with Dr. Jeff Reid officiating will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 27, 2008 at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 HWY 277 South in Abilene. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

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