of Conway, AR
December 20, 1943 - April 18, 2025
David Lyle Parker, 81, left this life for the next on April 18, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on December 20, 1943, in Los Angeles to the late Herbert and Elva Lindsey Parker, the fourth of five children born to the couple. His early life was spent in several places but at the age of 17 he joined the US Air Force, obtained a GED, and was eventually stationed at Jacksonville AFB. After his military service he worked various jobs while attending Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) and graduated in 1970 with a BS in Education, majoring in History and Mass Communication. He taught junior high school history in the Pulaski County Special School District before joining AETN in Conway. At AETN he worked as a cameraman, production staff, curriculum director, and was featured in several locally produced children's TV shows, most notably as Barnacle Bill. In 1987, he joined UCA as the Audio/Visual Director, where he was responsible for audio/visual arrangements campus wide. In 1998, he was honored as a UCA Employee of the Year Finalist. He retired from UCA in 2005.
But David will probably be most remembered as the actor who portrayed Dwight David Honeycutt, the Graham Gordy satirical creation of an exceedingly unsuitable candidate running for Conway School Board. This notoriety brought him accolades from across the country, 3:00 am phone calls from admirers, numerous photographs, and free food from fellow restaurant patrons who always recognized him.
In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, Dale, and Alan. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Liz, and his son, David II (Hatti), his grandchildren Alesha, Kaylin and David III, his sister, Patricia Byers, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and Tommie Randolph Parker, mother of his son.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to Dr. Gil Johnson and the nurses at Gentiva Hospice for their care of our loved one. We know David would also like to thank all his Friends of Bill.
David was a member of First United Methodist Church in Conway. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 23 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home. Visitation is at 1:00 p.m. with the memorial to follow at 2:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Faulkner County, the Faulkner County Animal Shelter or the charity of one's choice.
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12 Condolence(s)
Michael Parker
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Some of my favorite childhood memories are listening to Uncle Dave and Uncle Jack play guitar and sing at family get-togethers in Fresno (which I think he spelled Fresneaux). I have several of these recorded on cassette! I’ve always thought he was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. LOVE YOU, MAN!
Elizabeth Wyatt
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
To Liz and family,
Sad to hear about the passing of Dave Parker. I worked for him at UCA’s AV department, where he introduced me to satire, Christopher Guest films, and a whole new way of seeing the world. His “required viewing” movie list, dry humor, and gruff charm made a lasting impact on me. Helping him repair VCRs and set up gear is what first sparked my interest in tech. I still show friends his hilarious Dwight D. Honeycutt for Conway School Board video—it never gets old. Grateful to have known him and sorry for your family's loss.
Renee Cullum
Monday, April 21, 2025
Liz I was so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing
Donald Sturch
Monday, April 21, 2025
Liz, I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. My thoughts are with you and the family. Dave was always so kind and helpful in my time at UCA and I will remember his smile and sense of humor!
Matt Tanner
Monday, April 21, 2025
My condolences to Liz and the family. Dave trained me as the new A/V guy at UCA when he was in the process of retiring, and I'm still at this job almost 20 years later. He was probably one of the funniest and most likeable guys I've ever known, and working with him was always a hoot. He made me laugh constantly. He was also sharp as a tack and did his crosswords in pen. As Kaye said, a true "renaissance man". You will be missed, "Dr. Parker"!
The Herrington’s
Sunday, April 20, 2025
We are praying for you all and are heartbroken for your loss. We love you!
Guy Couch
Sunday, April 20, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Dede Long
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Liz, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dede
Stacey and Patricia Byers
Saturday, April 19, 2025
My uncle and my mom’s brother Dave will be missed. He was such a loving soul who was just a “hoot”. Love you! I wish we could make the memorial service, but being in California it just isn’t possible. Big hugs to all who knew and loved him.
John and Carolyn Blasingame
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Dear old buddy:
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Sherry anorrell
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Tom and I loved Dave. I have many good memories of the two of them laughing, usually at some funny quip Dave made. I like thinking of them chewing the fat once again.
Kaye Talley
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Liz, I am so saddened to hear about Dave. He was a special person and I enjoyed knowing him at UCA. He was a founding member of our Friday morning coffee break at the Student Center. I learned a lot from talking to Dave and viewed him as a renaissance man. He certainly kept our coffee group entertained. A student recognized him one day in the Student Center as Dwight David Honeycutt; I think he may have given the young man an autograph. I will always think of him as The Man, The Myth, The Legend. I will be praying for you and the family as you go through this time.