Lynn Randolph Parker, Sr.

Lynn Randolph Parker, Sr., 84, passed away on September 4, 2021, in Chattanooga, TN, after a year-long struggle to overcome the debilitating effects of a massive stroke. He leaves his wife, Sue Hassell Parker, daughter Kristen Beggs (Robert) of Memphis, son Randy Parker (Leslie) of Memphis, and three grandchildren: Willoughby Parker (Aurelie), Sarah-Clare Parker and Andrew Bell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Effie Parker, his first wife of 51 years, Jane Craig Parker, brothers, Harold and Guy Parker and sister, Barbara Estopinal.

A graduate of the Memphis Academy of Art, Lynn owned a successful advertising design firm in Memphis for decades before relocating to St. Pete Beach, FL, where he sold printing services. He and Jane then moved to Gulf Breeze. FL, where he retired. His first love after his family was the world of water, boats, and sailing. Lynn was an skilled mariner who could chart a course with a sextant and compass. His sailing and diving adventures with Jane took him from Pickwick Lake to the Gulf Coast, the keys, every part of the Caribbean and even Cuba. Destinations weren’t that important, however. He always held that if you were on a boat then you were already “there.”

After Jane passed, he rekindled a relationship with Sue Hassell, a childhood friend, and fell in love. They married in 2013 and enjoyed many years together in Gulf Breeze, boating, traveling and even completing an addition on their house.

A watercolor enthusiast, Lynn took up painting in earnest in later years and was an award-winning member of the Quayside Art Gallery in Pensacola. He was an active parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church and sang in the choir with Sue. He also served on community committees and enjoyed playing guitar.

Few people love life as much as Lynn did, and he will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 1 St. Francis Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL 32561. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services.