of Little Rock, AR
April 26, 1949 - September 16, 2022
Richard Dowell Parker, 73, passed from this life, September 16, 2022. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 26, 1949 to Doris and Leger Parker. After graduating from the University of Texas, Rick came home to Little Rock. "We know that Rick has found peace", for Rick, the automobile business was his life. He was trained by a great automobile dealer, his father Leger D. Parker.
Through the years, Rick earned many accomplishments, he worked 35 years as a Cadillac dealer; 30 years as a Lexus dealer and 21 years as an Audi dealer, earning more number one customer satisfaction awards than any other Cadillac or Lexus dealer. He was named Dealer of the Year by Arkansas's Time Magazine, elected to Cadillac's Regional and National Dealers Councils, was a finalist in the 1998 Southwest Region of Ernst and Young's Entrepreneur of the Year, Chairman of the Better Business Bureau of Arkansas and featured in the high-profile edition of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
Rick was a philanthropist with a heart of gold. He received the Humanitarian Award for the Resource Center of Aging. Rick was a supporter of many organizations: Easter Seal, Union Rescue Mission, Food Pantry, Boys Town, Humane Society, United Way of Pulaski County and is a continuing donor of Arkansas Children's Hospital. He loved giving back and making dreams come true by granting a wish through the "Make a Wish Foundation". Rick served his community on the Pinnace Bank Board, Metropolitan National Bank Board, March of Dimes and Arkansas Automobile Dealer Association
He also found time for things he loved doing with his family. He grew up skiing in Michigan, this gave him the opportunity to teach his kids how to snow ski all over the country and internationally, including Dubai "believe it or not?". This also enabled him to travel with his family all over the world. Rick visited 80 countries with a goal of 100 countries. Rick also loved landscaping and gardening. He had his yard published in 2 magazines. He has a great love of animals which led to his support to the Humane Society.
Rick was a selfless father and a loving husband. He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Nancy; his two sons, Robert (wife, Tammy), Brad (wife, Sejal); as well as four grandchildren, Robbie, Matthew, Ava, Aden; his brother, Dave (wife, Holly), their 3 children, Jessica, Rachel (husband, Buddy) and David.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Doris and Leger Parker.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Rick's name to the March of Dimes, the Humane Society or the Parkinson's Foundation.Org.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Roller Chenal Funeral Home. A private graveside service will follow.
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21 Condolence(s)
Tony Adeola
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
My condolences to the Parker family, may his memory be a blessing to you all.
Florinda Hall
Thursday, September 22, 2022
To the Parker family, look unto him who is able to keep us from falling.. there's no words one can say to stop what you are feeling... Only Our Heavenly Father Above knows your hurt, and your pain...My prayers is God will strengthen you and keep you and your family close.. Florinda Hall RICKS caregiver...GOD BLESS
Christy Glaze Vail
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
So sad to hear of Rick’s passing.
Heaven gained a special Angel.
Heard so many wonderful stories about the great man thru my daddy.
Prayers for all the family.
Craig Glaze
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. My father Johnny Glaze worked with Rick 46 years and always spoke very highly of him. May Gods love peace and strength be with all family and friends at this time.
Randy and Debbie Parsley
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Our most sincere sympathies to Nancy, Brad, Rob and the entire Parker family.
Mike Hunnicutt
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Nancy, so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. He meant a lot to me, had no idea he was sick. Please tell Robbie and Brad how sorry I am. Prayers to you and the Parker family.
Roy G. Snook
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
We will miss Rick, I will miss Rick ! Rick has always been a friend to all of us here at the bank and he was always there to give me professional and personal advice over a good long lunch. Rick as a professional was always on top of every aspect of business but when business was done it was always followed by a long talk about family and looking over all the family pictures in his office ! God Speed Mr. Richard D. Parker !!
Edward Grable
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Rick was one of the finest owners I had the pleasure of working with. His support over the years is what keep the company moving forward. Prayers for Nancy and the family.
Rest in Peace.
Mark Rose
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Rick was one of my earliest clients at KATV. He was always professional and a gentlemen. Rick loved to travel and I was fortunate to have Rick and Nancy on several of our station trips. He will be missed.
George Haas
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Richard was a world class gentleman with tremendous ethics.
A proud business owner and family man.
Your inspiration will always be remembered
Kristal M Hill
Monday, September 19, 2022
He was a joy to work for and treated everyone with respect. A genuine soul and he will be greatly missed.
Ruby Fields
Monday, September 19, 2022
May you Rest In Peace Rick. Prayers will always be for Nancy and family!
Love Ruby
Diannah Smith
Monday, September 19, 2022
I am honored to have worked with Rick since 2006. He was always smiling and made sure to greet everyone. My deepest condolences to Nancy, the boys and family. I pray for peace and healing for everyone. He will be deeply missed.
Diannah Smith (Restoration) and Linda Smith (mother)
Bob and Beverly Russell
Monday, September 19, 2022
Nancy and Boy's. So sorry to hear about Rick. He was a true professional in the automobile business. Beverly and I will be out of town next Thursday and will miss visitation but our prayers are with you.
Ronnie Langley
Sunday, September 18, 2022
Heart felt condolences
Chris Dupre
Sunday, September 18, 2022
Nancy, Rob & Brad - my deepest condolences to you all. Rick was a good man, and I have many wonderful childhood memories that he was an integral part of. He was always so gregarious and gracious. May he be with God, and may God be with you all and your families during your time of mourning.
With much love and my deepest condolences,
Chris
Randy Fluharty
Sunday, September 18, 2022
R.I.P. Rick, glad you came into my life. Thanks for all you have done for this world.
Michael Hopkins
Sunday, September 18, 2022
This loss is heavy, but I am so thankful and honored to have worked for Rick. Truly enjoyed his stories of travel and of the car business. Prayers to Nancy and the family, during this time, that they receive the peace and grace from our Holy Father and celebrate a wonderful life.
Norman Clifton
Sunday, September 18, 2022
Nancy an d Family, was sorry to read about Rick today. Our Prayers And Condolences are for you and the family.May the Lord send you Peace and Comfort at this time
Dan & Pat Van Duinen
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Nancy,
So sorry to hear about Rick's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Jon Underhill
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Nancy, I was so sadden to hear of Rick's passing. I enjoyed getting to know you and Rick, as neighbors, board members and your broker. However, above all, I considered you and Rick friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday evening.
Jon