Celebrating the life of
Robert Harris Parker
October 17, 1938 - November 20, 2013
SAVANNAH - Robert Harris Parker passed away peacefully in his Wilmington Island home surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the age of 75.
Harris was an extraordinarily inventive and creative man who touched the lives of many people. He grew up on Turner's Creek where his mother and father owned Parker's Seafood. From there, he began his love of cooking and all things related to the coastal life. A professional race car designer and builder, he was also an avid motorcycle and boat racer. He was a successful business man who established Bavarian Imports in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon retiring, he became a professional beachcomber. He spent much of his time camping, boating, scuba diving, collecting fossils, and shark's teeth, and designing nautical artwork. He enjoyed cooking for family and friends and prided himself on making the best barbeque sauce in the South. His recipe remains a secret.
Also, Harris loved the movie industry and had the opportunity to assist with several local productions including Hopscotch in the early 80's and, more recently, The General's Daughter.
Harris is survived by the love of his life, Pepper Parker, his son, Rob Peggy Parker, his daughter Jacqueline Randy Voyles and grandchildren, Robert and Alex Powers, Lily-Harris and Amelia-Cate Parker. Not to mention, his precious dog, Bridget.
Memorial Service: Monday, November, 25, 2013 at 3pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00pm.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the United Hospice for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to Untied Hospice of Savannah, 9100 White Bluff Rd., Suite 305, Savannah, GA 31406.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
What a great first boss and mentor to have. Sorry to hear of this great man's passing. He was the best at telling tales of his adventures. I even heard them long after I lost touch with him. My son Jake was born on his birthday in '03.
- Randy Baratka, Waleska, GA
It is with utmost sadness that I read of Harris's death. We were friends from childhood on Tybee Island. He gave me a nickname which has stayed with me through my entire life. Condolences to the entire Parker family from 'Brylcreem.'
- Irving Miller, Sarasota, FL
The Newberry's send their condolences
- Judy Newberry, Johns Creek, GA
I met Harris and Pepper as their hair stylist. They were such a warm and kind couple. I admired Harris's many talents. It was always a pleasure seeing him and hearing his stories about the wonderful full life he led. I will miss him immensely. My deepest sympathy to Pepper. Pepper is such a sweet and loving friend. Harris and Pepper invited me into their home on many occasions. Harris was a fantastic cook. I look forward to continued friendship with Pepper as she is always a pleasure to be around. I love her as well as many others who love Pepper. Harris my friend, you will not be forgotten. With love And heartfelt condolences. Nancy Carn
- Nancy Carn, Savannah, GA
Dear Pepper, Rob & Peggy and family, My life was so enriched by passing through Harris's life in 2001 for a few brief months. We all had such a great time that summer! I'm a lucky guy to have met him and swapped recipes and good times. His Crawfish Etouffee was the best I ever tasted! Living next door to Harris & Pepper was a special treat. Pepper, I still think fondly of you & Harris when I look on the wall of my home at the picture of the actors from Bonanza that you gave me for my birthday some years ago. Another great memory is that of the time Harris and Curt figured out how to get my car into a 24-foot moving van for the drive back to California when I moved away. It was amazing! Harris, you were a wonderful, thoughtful human being and a joy for all of us to have known & loved in our lives. The memory of you will continue to give us joy. I'll play 'Moon River' on the piano for you when next we meet.
- John Haynes, Whittier, CA
Rob, Jacquelyn, Peggy, and family, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, The Macdonalds
- Mary Christy Macdonald, Savannah, GA
Harris was a great friend, who had a way of making you feel great about yourself. Nothing made him happier than sharing his friends with each other. If you were the subject of one of his stories you would always share the limelight with him you may not get top billing but you were there and you got to share the experience with him. I know I'll miss him and think of him often.
- Philip O'Dell, Tybee Island, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Family of Harris Parker. Harris and I attended BC together and off to Carlisle Military School. Remembering the good old times we all had at the Harris's Seafood Restaurant on Wilmington Island. The many fun drives to Tybee Island hanging out the window of his big red Lincoln Continual. There was never a dull moment if you were with Harris. Harris, will be remembered for his charm, sense of humor and infectious smile. Yet, it is truly Harris’s undying love and devotion to his family that defines the man we have known, respected and loved. Even though there are no profound or clever words that can accurately depict what an immense; person Harris was, we will always remember that enthusiastic, outgoing character that he possessed. Wayne Disher
- Wayne Disher, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. I remember so many good times I shared with Harris. He will be greatly missed. Philip
- Philip Jones, savannah, GA
Rob - sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jacqueline.
- Mark & Renee Lofton, , GA
You will be missed by so many. Lots of great memories you are leaving behind for us though. Love!
- Wanda Parker, Savannah, GA
Dear Pepper, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Bailey use to LOVE visiting you both, when you lived next to her Gramma..especially the turtle! Harris taught me one incredibly IMPORTANT lesson, one night. We were sitting under the screen near our pool, making clay figures with Bailey..someone said something, not nice and Harris just became quiet...and said-was that REALLY necessary. I will always remember Harris, as a caring and VERY WISE man. My heart is with you. Love Gayle and Bailey Hans
- Gayle & Bailey Hans, Osterville, MA
To all family members, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harris. I always enjoyed talking to him at German Auto and always thought of him as a very nice and extremely knowledgeable man. He has certainly passed a legacy down to his son Rob by sharing in the love of cars and auto racing. He will be missed. My condolences. Sincerely, Jay Javetz
- Jay Javetz, Savannah, GA
Pepper sorry to hear of 'Bud's' passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. There are too many memories to list here but my Clark family has always been in my heart. I even remember back to 'Parker's Seafood Resteraunt'.
- Charlie & Alexis Smith, Wrightsville, GA
Harris Parker - what a truly unique individual! Creative and fun loving! A friend, mentor, and one of the best story tellers ever! A genius in fixing anything mechanical. He'll be missed. Our condolences to Pepper and the rest of the family.
- Sylvia & Wendell Davidson, Atlanta, GA
Rob, Peggy and Family, I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God bless all of you.
- Robert Fritts, Savannah, GA
What a great first boss and mentor to have. Sorry to hear of this great man's passing. He was the best at telling tales of his adventures. I even heard them long after I lost touch with him. My son Jake was born on his birthday in '03.
- Randy Baratka, Waleska, GA
It is with utmost sadness that I read of Harris's death. We were friends from childhood on Tybee Island. He gave me a nickname which has stayed with me through my entire life. Condolences to the entire Parker family from 'Brylcreem.'
- Irving Miller, Sarasota, FL
The Newberry's send their condolences
- Judy Newberry, Johns Creek, GA
I met Harris and Pepper as their hair stylist. They were such a warm and kind couple. I admired Harris's many talents. It was always a pleasure seeing him and hearing his stories about the wonderful full life he led. I will miss him immensely. My deepest sympathy to Pepper. Pepper is such a sweet and loving friend. Harris and Pepper invited me into their home on many occasions. Harris was a fantastic cook. I look forward to continued friendship with Pepper as she is always a pleasure to be around. I love her as well as many others who love Pepper. Harris my friend, you will not be forgotten. With love And heartfelt condolences. Nancy Carn
- Nancy Carn, Savannah, GA
Dear Pepper, Rob & Peggy and family, My life was so enriched by passing through Harris's life in 2001 for a few brief months. We all had such a great time that summer! I'm a lucky guy to have met him and swapped recipes and good times. His Crawfish Etouffee was the best I ever tasted! Living next door to Harris & Pepper was a special treat. Pepper, I still think fondly of you & Harris when I look on the wall of my home at the picture of the actors from Bonanza that you gave me for my birthday some years ago. Another great memory is that of the time Harris and Curt figured out how to get my car into a 24-foot moving van for the drive back to California when I moved away. It was amazing! Harris, you were a wonderful, thoughtful human being and a joy for all of us to have known & loved in our lives. The memory of you will continue to give us joy. I'll play 'Moon River' on the piano for you when next we meet.
- John Haynes, Whittier, CA
Rob, Jacquelyn, Peggy, and family, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, The Macdonalds
- Mary Christy Macdonald, Savannah, GA
Harris was a great friend, who had a way of making you feel great about yourself. Nothing made him happier than sharing his friends with each other. If you were the subject of one of his stories you would always share the limelight with him you may not get top billing but you were there and you got to share the experience with him. I know I'll miss him and think of him often.
- Philip O'Dell, Tybee Island, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Family of Harris Parker. Harris and I attended BC together and off to Carlisle Military School. Remembering the good old times we all had at the Harris's Seafood Restaurant on Wilmington Island. The many fun drives to Tybee Island hanging out the window of his big red Lincoln Continual. There was never a dull moment if you were with Harris. Harris, will be remembered for his charm, sense of humor and infectious smile. Yet, it is truly Harris’s undying love and devotion to his family that defines the man we have known, respected and loved. Even though there are no profound or clever words that can accurately depict what an immense; person Harris was, we will always remember that enthusiastic, outgoing character that he possessed. Wayne Disher
- Wayne Disher, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. I remember so many good times I shared with Harris. He will be greatly missed. Philip
- Philip Jones, savannah, GA
Rob - sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jacqueline.
- Mark & Renee Lofton, , GA
You will be missed by so many. Lots of great memories you are leaving behind for us though. Love!
- Wanda Parker, Savannah, GA
Dear Pepper, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Bailey use to LOVE visiting you both, when you lived next to her Gramma..especially the turtle! Harris taught me one incredibly IMPORTANT lesson, one night. We were sitting under the screen near our pool, making clay figures with Bailey..someone said something, not nice and Harris just became quiet...and said-was that REALLY necessary. I will always remember Harris, as a caring and VERY WISE man. My heart is with you. Love Gayle and Bailey Hans
- Gayle & Bailey Hans, Osterville, MA
To all family members, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harris. I always enjoyed talking to him at German Auto and always thought of him as a very nice and extremely knowledgeable man. He has certainly passed a legacy down to his son Rob by sharing in the love of cars and auto racing. He will be missed. My condolences. Sincerely, Jay Javetz
- Jay Javetz, Savannah, GA
Pepper sorry to hear of 'Bud's' passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. There are too many memories to list here but my Clark family has always been in my heart. I even remember back to 'Parker's Seafood Resteraunt'.
- Charlie & Alexis Smith, Wrightsville, GA
Harris Parker - what a truly unique individual! Creative and fun loving! A friend, mentor, and one of the best story tellers ever! A genius in fixing anything mechanical. He'll be missed. Our condolences to Pepper and the rest of the family.
- Sylvia & Wendell Davidson, Atlanta, GA
Rob, Peggy and Family, I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God bless all of you.
- Robert Fritts, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
