Leger Dowell Parker

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Thursday, June 22, 2006
6:00 - 7:30 P.M.

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Service Schedule
Grace Lutheran Church
Hillcrest at Kavanaugh
Little Rock, AR  72205
Friday, June 23, 2006
11:00 A.M.

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Cemetery
Leger Dowell Parker

of Little Rock, AR

December 30, 1921 - June 19, 2006

Leger Dowell Parker, Founder of Parker Automotive Group and one of Little Rock's great business leaders, passed away Monday, June 19, 2006. He was 84 years old. Leger was born in Little Rock on December 30, 1921 to Leger and Cleo Dowell Parker.

Leger is remembered for his business acumen, his involvement in civic and charitable causes, his ability to mentor others, and his drive for continuous improvement. Leger enjoyed working, and then hunting and fishing.

Leger's civic and business activities were extensive. He was a member of the Cadillac National Dealer Council for 3 two-year terms and a member of General Motor's President's Advisory Council. He was a Cadillac Master Dealer 22 times and Parker Cadillac was #1 in the nation for customer satisfaction 9 times. Leger was a past President of the Pulaski County Auto dealers and was honored by his fellow dealers by being named the TIME magazine dealer of the year in 1992.

For 33 years, he was on the Board of Directors of Metropolitan National Bank. In 1998 he was recognized as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Country Club and the Sales and Marketing Executives Association which honored him as the Manager of the Year. His commitment to charity is exemplified by his annual support of the Boy Scouts, several Little League Baseball teams, the United Way, Children's Hospital, the March of Dimes and several other organizations.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and a member of the Benefactors Matching Committee. Four years ago he headed a fund raising effort for a multi-million dollar building for Lutheran High School.

Leger attended Little Rock High School and Junior College before transferring to Texas A & M where he studied pre-law, but his education was interrupted by World War II when he served as a Navy Pilot from April 1942 until December 1945 flying combat missions in the South Pacific.

In 1945 he married Doris Mach in Detroit where he settled down to start a long career in the automobile business. In 1947 he started as an auto sales man and worked his way up, Sales Manager, General Manager and finally Zone Manager for Cadillac. In 1967, he left the factory and set out on his own to found Parker Cadillac at 1215 Main Street in downtown Little Rock. By 1977 the business had outgrown its location and moved to its current location in west Little Rock. Currently, Parker Automotive has grown to include Cadillac, Lexus, Audi, two Saturn locations, and Parker Automotive Restoration, employing 135 people.

As a father he was strict but fair. As a husband he was a loyal wonderful provider. He was conservative when it came to spending, but also knew when to invest. He built a reputation that was second to none, and cared for his employees and their personal lives. He was a leader for 40 years and a teacher that we all learned from. He was a self made man. He will be greatly missed.

Leger is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doris Parker, two sons, Rick and Dave, their wives, Nancy and Holly; 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 23, 2006 at Grace Lutheran Church with Reverend James C. Walter officiating. A private committal service for the family will be held afterwards. Pallbearers will be: Red Noland, Walter Warden, Charlie Hoover, Lunsford Bridges, Randy Parsley, and Fred Moseley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 5124 Hillcrest, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 or St. Vincent's Foundation, 2 St. Vincent Circle, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 Thursday evening at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501)224-8300.


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45 Condolence(s)
Larry Allen
Brawley, CA
Liked
Wednesday, July 5, 2006

Rick, Dave, and family, sorry for your loss. Mr. Parker was a great man in every sense of the word.

Rev. Joe W McMillion, Jr.
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Sunday, June 25, 2006

My Prayers go out to you his Family and Friends at this moment. I have many fond memories of Ledger both growing up and while we were in the service. It was my honor to serve with him during WWII and to be his Chaplin during the 206th reunions. He will be missed.

Bob Menking
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, June 23, 2006

Dave, Mary, Christine and I were sorry to hear about your Dad. I only met him a couple of times, but he seemed like a good guy. If I had known he had been a Navy pilot, I would have thanked him for his service to our country. It was sad to see the flag at half-staff, but it also gave me a feeling of pride for your Dad, as it did for my Dad after a career in the Army. Please pass our condolences on to your Mom. Sincerely, Bob, Mary and Christine Menking

Beth Newell Bearden Gaines
North Little Rock, AR
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Friday, June 23, 2006

Dave , So sorry to read about your father's death. You and your family will be in my prayers. Love, Beth

Beth Newell Bearden Gaines
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, June 23, 2006

Dave , So sorry to read about your father's death. You and your family will be in my prayers. Love, Beth

Amanda Benton/The BUZZ
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, June 23, 2006

Rick and Dave, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know he will be missed dearly. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord offer you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Much love & God Bless, Amanda Benton

Judge Charles Goldberger
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Friday, June 23, 2006

Sorry for your loss.

Judge Charles Goldberger
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Friday, June 23, 2006

Sorry for your loss.

Roy & Betty Goldberger
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Friday, June 23, 2006

Amanda Gore
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Parker. I know for sure that he will be missed by so many that he touched. Mr. Parker and the Parker family has, and still does, meant so much to me and my family for many years. Our prayers are with you Mrs. Parker, Dave, and Rick. Amanda Gore Lois Gore

J. Craig Glaze and Family
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May God comfort your family at this time.

Ernie and Barbara Medlin
Maumelle, AR
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Thursday, June 22, 2006

We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Alexis and Dan Fowler
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, June 22, 2006

We know that Mr. Parker was very special to my Grandparents, Beth and Herschel. Doris, our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Alexis

Brett & Ashley Russell
North Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, June 22, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Parker family. I will always remember talking with Mr. & Mrs. Parker on AADA trips when I was a young boy. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will always remain.

Duke & Norma Jean Doolittle
Marcella, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

So sorry to learn of Leger's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

Chester & Jean Goodwin
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family at this time of your bereavement.

Darion & Debbie Grable
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, June 22, 2006

The fishing trips will not be the same without his presence. Your family will be in our prayers. Darion & Debbie Grable

Robert and Mary Menking
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, June 22, 2006

Dave, I know that this has been and will a very painful time for you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss as well as for the significant loss to our community. You will find the strength you need through your faith, your friends, your family and the wonderful legacy your Dad has left to you all. May God bless you and your family, Mary and Bob

Linda Teer
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

Mrs. Parker, Dave & Rick, My heartfelt sympathy for you loss. Each of you will be in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you gain strength through the knowledge that you are not alone.

KATHY SWEERE
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

I LOVED HIM AND MISS HIM

Jerry and Missy Sparks
St.Petersburg, FL
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

Our heartfelt wishes go to Dave and Family. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your Dad. He had a full life and may you be comforted by wonderful memories which last forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jerry and Missy Sparks
St. Petersburg, FL
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

Our heartfelt wishes go to Dave and family. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your Dad. He had a full life and may you find comfort in wonderful memories which last forever! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Pleasant Valley Country Club Board of Governors, Members and Staff
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Mr. Parker will certainly be missed.

The Tullos Family
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

We want to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of Mr. Parker. Leger and Joe left this world so close to one another, you know they are talking about Cadillacs right now. Bless your families during this time of loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. The Joe Tullos Family

Lynn Keller
Stuttgart, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 22, 2006

I met Mr. Parker in the '80's and our paths only crossed a few times, but I always admired him and the business he built. He was a great role model for all who aspire to be automobile dealers.

Pat Barrier
little rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Mrs. Parker, Dave, and Rick, Thank you so much for allowing me and my staff to come into your home and provide the care to Mr. Parker. I will be cherish the time that I spent with your husband and father. His pride for his family and his life was evident and I will remember his stories for the rest of my life. Mrs. Parker, his love for you is what all girls dream of and few women find. I want you all to know how much I appreciate your generosity and kindness to my staff. Thank you for letting me share my rudimentary cooking skills and my tortilla soup with you. May God hold you tightly in his arms until you feel safe. My heart is with you. Pat Barrier

Robert & Wilma Richter
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

We were fortunate to have known Mr. Parker from church and being a Parker customer. A kind, generous man who always had a moment to visit at his business, who truly cared about all those around him. He will be remembered and missed by us and many others. Our sincere condolences to the Parker family.

Nathan (Nate) Brandes
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Rick & Dave, I had the privilege and absolute pleasure to know Leger since 1970 as one of my dealers. Since he & I together shared our Detroit Cadillac legacy coupled with our common Lutheran Faith in Christ, we had a special bond beyond a pure business level. I felt he opened his heart when I was invited to participate in the annual dealership service/parts employee fishing trips on the White River, and truly enjoyed the whole trip from beginning to end with Bobby Sheets at the tiller! Until we see your Dad once again in Heaven may you both be Blessed as you carry forth with the Parker tradition of excellence in both business and life! Take care!

Kay Kirk
Benton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

So sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Parker was a very special man who I will always remember. He WILL be missed!!

Jim Hindman
Lakeland, FL
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Mrs. Parker, Rick and Dave, I was sorry to hear of Mr. Parker's passing. He'll be missed by so many. I learned many things from him that I carry with me now. God bless you all.

steve and denice mckinnie
mabelvale, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

our prayers are with you

Jerry & Joy Bryant
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

So Sorry

Jerry &Joy Bryant
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Oma Watson
N. Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Mrs Doris & Dave, So sorry for your loss. He was a great man. I enjoyed visiting with him so much when he was in the hospital a long time ago. I know he will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Donny and Janice Russell
Benton, AR
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Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Rick, you and your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Scotty Freebairn
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

It was an honor to have known Ledger Parker. He was admired and respected imensely by all who knew him. Our deepest sympathy to the Parker familes. Scotty and Carol Freebairn

Michael McBryde
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

I send my heartfelt sympathy to Leger's family, and especially to Doris, in your time of great loss. I shall always remember his many kind and gracious gestures and will miss him very, very much.

Farris and Allene Sneed
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you .

Marcelline Giroir
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. What a wonderful legacy!

Herb and Kathy Vining DeLone
Little Rock, AR
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Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Rick, Dave, I was saddened to read of your dad's death this morning. I know he had a profound impact on the community and you through his example of leadership and care for all. My prayers and thoughts are with you today. Kathy Vining DeLone

Tina Moore
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Rick and Dave, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Tina Moore Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Carol & John Harris
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Rob & Tammy, we are very sorry about the loss of your grandfather. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Thurman Chambers
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Dave I am so sorry in the loss of your father. I know you will miss him greatly. May God bring you and the Parker family peace and hope. Thurman Chambers, Union Rescue Mission.

Jim & Nancy Shuffield
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Rick & David - Nancy and I are out of the country and just learned of your dad's death from the internet. Ledger was one of the people from the Waldo area that I remember the most. (I think his mother's last name was' Cloud'?) He was a great man and I know you two will carry on the 'Parker Legacy'. May God bless you and your family this day. Your Friends -- Nancy and Jim Shuffield P.S. The 'Old Fairway Drive' is ever changing !

Rick Smith
Troy, MI
Liked
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

My condolences to Doris, Rick, David, and all of the family. I wish I could be there.