of Harrison, AR
July 27, 1953 - February 28, 2026
Rodney Waldo Parker, age 72, passed away on February 27, 2026.
Rodney was born on July 27, 1953, in Oceanside, California. He graduated from Oceanside High School in 1971 and, as a young man, worked alongside his father at the family auto repair business, Parker's Garage. Those early years shaped his lifelong love of mechanics and instilled the strong work ethic that defined his life.
In February 1977, Rodney enlisted in the United States Army. What began as service as a diesel mechanic grew into a distinguished military career spanning more than 20 years. He rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, E7, serving as a Motor Sergeant and leading soldiers with strength and integrity. During Operation Desert Storm, he supervised maintenance operations for vehicles responsible for deploying United States Patriot Missiles, a responsibility he carried with precision and pride. His service took him to bases throughout the United States, Germany, and South Korea before he retired honorably after more than two decades of dedicated service.
Rodney was a gentle and loving man who consistently went out of his way to help those in need. He was fair, kind, and steady in his leadership. A gifted problem solver with remarkable mechanical ability, he seemed able to fix nearly anything placed before him. He supported his family with dedication, love, and humble pride. Whether in uniform, under the hood of a classic car, or with a guitar in his hands, Rodney carried himself with quiet strength and purpose.
He is survived by his beloved spouse, Shana Parker; his brother, Aubrey Parker; and his sons, Silas Parker, Eric Parker, David Parker, and Rodney C. Parker. He was a proud grandfather to Jade, August, Chloe, and Raiden.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Meta Parker; his father, Carrell V. Parker, also known as ''Charlie''; and his sister, Charlene Parker.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, Arkansas. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Roller-McNutt, with interment to follow at Salem Cemetery, 1475 Rocky Hill Road, Dennard, Arkansas 72629.
Rodney's life was defined by service, skill, leadership, and love for his family. His legacy lives on in the strength and character of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and honored always.
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8 Condolence(s)
Aubrey Parker
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
My brother Rodney was very talented in whatever he did. He helped me in so many ways: when it comes to cars, trucks, music, creating and building furniture, welding, and home improvement: Rodney is top in his field! Rodney’s knowledge in engineering and mechanics will be deeply missed along with Rodney himself. Rodney is the proverbial “chip off the old block” of our dad, World War 2 veteran “Carrell Vinston Parker” definitely was his mentor in life and loved our dad! Rodney also patterned his life after our dad! Joined the Army, made a final rank of E7 Mechanic First Class “Rodney Waldo Parker.” Rodney truly is the Pride of the family. He will be sorely and truly missed now and forever! May he have all the highs and joys of being in Heaven with Jesus, Amen. From you blood brother - Aubrey
Marjorie Parker
Friday, March 6, 2026
May the Lord bless and keep Opa.
He was always grinning ear to ear and so very kind to me as a daughter-in-law. He dearly loved his family and was generous, authentic, and funny. I know he's looking down on all his boys and their kids with pride. I keep the entire Parker family in my heart and prayers. My heart grieves for you. Love you all.
Silas Parker
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Over the past few days I’ve been reflecting on the life of my father and the many ways he shaped who I am.
His passing came unexpectedly, and I find myself wishing we had more time together. At the same time, I’m deeply grateful for the man he was and for the lessons he gave me that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
He was a kind man with a strong work ethic and a deep sense of discipline. Those values were simply part of who he was, and they became part of who I am because of him.
Some of my favorite memories are from when we were kids and he would sit on the front porch singing and playing his guitar, or when he’d turn the stereo up in the living room and fill the house with music. He’s the one who introduced me to the music that still inspires me today, including my favorite band, Led Zeppelin. That love for music has stayed with me all these years.
In more recent years, one of the things I’ll miss most is jamming together when I’d come home to visit, him on guitar and me on bass, just enjoying the music the way we always had.
I’m also incredibly proud of his service to our country and the honor he received with a Bronze Star. That kind of courage and commitment says a lot about the character of the man he was.
Dad, thank you for the example you set and the lessons you taught me. They will remain with me always. I’ll miss those moments playing music together, and I look forward to the day we get to jam again at that great gig in the sky.
Justin willoughby
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Prayers and condolences to all the family and friends
Laura Johnson
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Rod was a good friend, and my four nephews knew him as a wonderful dad. My daughter and son, Rod’s niece and nephew, always enjoyed visiting Uncle Rod and Aunt Mary and spending time with their cousins. They were especially amazed by his antique vehicles.
I have such fond memories of the 70s, taking a back road trip with Rod and his brother from Rocky Hill Road to Mt. Judea in his old Chevy pickup. I remember us stopping at an old hardware store that was still open in Mt. Judea — moments like that have stayed with me through the years.
Rod was a kind-hearted man. I truly believe he is now a guardian angel watching over his four sons and grandchildren. His spirit will live on forever in his family. It was an honor to have known him.
Although I only met Shana once, I know how much she cared for Rod, and my heart goes out to her and to all his loved ones.
Wishing peace, love, and comfort to everyone who knew and loved Rod. Aunt Laura, and cousins, Erika and Kevin
Rodney C. Parker
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Love you Dad. You will be greatly missed. I’m glad we had a long talk the last time we spoke to each other on the phone. I’m still in shock. I believed that we had way more time and griefing with regret of not spending enough time with you and Shana overall these years.
If anyone told me this -> (below) I would be skeptical and inclined to disregard the following, however I can not make the following up:
Dad: I will never forget that you had your own way of saying goodbye to me on Friday night, February 27th, 2026 and I was completely unaware that you passed away: until Saturday morning from Silas when the following below happened on Friday night:
Dad’s spirit / soul was flickering the lights in only one room in the living room that I was visiting in my friend’s house who also observed this divine situation involving my Dad saying goodbye Friday night. My friend Betty who also observed this divine situation along with her husband Marc; she knew someone’s spirit was trying to communicate with us as the lights flickered like Morse Code and we were all unaware of my Dad’s passing during this time.
I really wish I recorded the video of this divine situation with Dad’s spirit because only one light was being flickered for a good 2 to 3 minutes in the living room where I was visiting and where Dad’s spirit joined to let us know he was there with us: my friends and I: Also: non of any of the other lights in the house were effected. There were a lot of other lights turned on in the house that remained on and operational at this time. There were no weather events nor high winds that would cause and what became of this divine phenomenon.
With that being said, I’m really sad Dad passed away and would rather have him here so we can continue to talk to each other and spend time as a family together.
However, I know he was in pain 24/7 with health complications and is now resting in peace and no longer suffering from this world of suffering and pain.
I know that he wanted to say goodbye to me for the last time: by doing so in this manner that I have witnessed a divine situation with my Dad’s spirit and witnesses the existence of a glimpse of the Holy Ghost/ Spirit of our God in heaven passing through from this, our dimension here, allowing my Dad’s soul to say goodbye to his Son
and God allowing this moment to happen and on to moving my Dad’s soul forward from Earth to the dimension of Heaven.
May you rest in peace my Father. I am truly blessed to know your soul is in Heaven along with our God and God’s son: Jesus Christ, our lord and savior. By witnessing this situation and sharing this divine moment I will truly hope that this also restores any one’s faith during this very sad time and then lead us all on the path to save our souls and join our Father in heaven when it’s our time when we are next so we can all be together again forever in the kingdom of heaven. Please have faith in this.
chuck hillam
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Rodney was a best friend and brother to me in our teens and early twenties. I remember with fondness those days. I had an old "hippi truck" with homemade camper on the back that he worked on. When a brand new engine was dropped off on the street corner of ditmar where my grandma lived, he put it in the truck in one day.. one night i stayed at his house and we fell asleep and forget to blow out the candles we had lit. we both woke up choking and when we turned the light on we could hardly see because of the smoldering soot that filled the room. when we opened the door the smoke went down the hall . what a mess! we ended up having to paint some of the walls.
We cruised together with Aubrey, and other friends in his 56 chevy wagon he fixed up and made it look so "boss". We did a lot of crazy things together. We were growing up and learning. In the early 70's there was the "Jesus Revolution" movement and Rod, Aub, and i went to church together. When he finished high school his parents invited me to to join them moving to Arkansas. I lived with them and we cleared land , fetched water for cement to build the stone foundation for their house.
We lived together in a small backyard house on the same street and shared the rent of $75 a month.
I remember visiting him when just after his firstborn son came into the world. He was a proud and happy dad. I could go on, but will end now by expressing my sincere condolences to his wife and family. Jesus understands your grief and tears and may you find comfort in Him.
chuck hillam
Mary Austin-Crawford
Monday, March 2, 2026
Thank you for being the Dad to our 4 Amazing sons, and thank you for your service to our country. Rest in peace now dear friend, and may God comfort our boys.