William M. Parker's Obituary
William Moran “Bill” Parker, age 99, passed away peacefully at his home in Belleair on January 13, 2026.
Born on April 18, 1926 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Bill was the son of Peter Byron and Kathleen Moran Parker. He grew up in Chattanooga, TN, where he developed a strong sense of discipline, work ethic and loyalty that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from Chattanooga Central High School in 1944. Upon graduation he answered the call to serve his country joining the United States Army Air Corps, where he served until the end of World War II. His military service was a source of lifelong pride and reflected his deep commitment to duty and country.
In 1946, Bill became a member of the first class of men admitted to Florida State University, marking the beginning of a remarkable collegiate legacy. At FSU he distinguished himself as a three-sport letterman and played on the first baseball, football and basketball teams. His athletic dedication and longevity earned special recognition decades later, when he was honored as the longest-living FSU letterman at the 2025 FSU Homecoming game. A tribute that brought him great joy and pride.
During his time at Florida State, Bill was spending an evening with friends at the iconic Sweet Shop, when a striking young coed caught his eye. From the moment he saw her, he was utterly smitten. That coed was Charlotte Irene High, from Jacksonville, FL. The two soon began dating, beginning a partnership that would become the foundation of Bill’s life.
After graduating in 1951, Bill and Charlotte were married, and the following year welcomed the first of their six children. Their marriage spanned an extraordinary 73 years, a testament to their love and devotion. Together they built a magical life rooted in commitment, laughter, resilience and family, creating a home filled with warmth, tradition and unconditional support.
In 1959 Bill moved his growing family to Belleair and then to Clearwater, FL where Bill would establish himself as a successful businessman and respected salesman. He owned Crest Chemical Co (now known as Crest Products) and Military Distributors, building companies known not only for their success but integrity with which he conducted business. During those years he also served as a Director for Bank of Oldsmar.
He was a man of deep faith, and a longtime member and benefactor of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Clearwater. Bill served on the Vestry and as Jr. and Sr. Warden, and was a dedicated Usher for many years. His faith was central to his life.
Bill enjoyed many years of service as a member of the Countryside Rotary Club was a Paul Harris Fellow and a Mason. He coached Little League baseball, served on the board of the Clearwater YMCA and received the YMCA Red Triangle Award.
An active man throughout his life, he played racquetball daily at the YMCA and also enjoyed golf, boating, and anything outdoors. For years he attended all of the home and away Florida State football games and also attended FSU basketball and baseball games in Tallahassee. Bill was fortunate to have traveled often with the FSU football team and enjoyed many close friendships with former FSU Presidents, AD’s, coaches and players.
Bill was a member of the FSU Seminole Booster organization which supported athletics for FSU. In the early 70’s Bill cofounded the Golden Chiefs which was the original elite donor level. He went on to serve many years on the Booster Board, and served as the first Chairman living outside of Tallahassee. His leadership and vision helped shape the future of Florida State athletic and alumni engagement. He was instrumental in establishing the Endowed Scholarship Program, proudly donating the first scholarship and played a key roll in developing the Affinity Marketing program. Bill served as Chairman of the FSU Alumni Association, Trustee for the FSU Foundation, and served on the Board of Directors for the College of Business. Other recognitions from Florida State include, The Presidents Club, FSU Circle of Gold, Presidents Society and the Vires, Arts, Mores Society.
He was honored with the Seminole Seeker Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1987 and the FSU Hall of Fame Moore-Stone Award in 1990. This quote from his Hall of Fame induction ceremony bio, “Perhaps no other individual has done so much in so many different areas than Clearwater’s Billy Parker. Through his efforts, Seminole athletics have moved from those formative years of the 1940’s to today’s major college giant” sums up his legacy.
Bill is survived by his five daughters, Haven Parker Poirier (Steven), Dawn Parker Doganiero, Sharon Parker Meek (Dan), Shawn Parker Karaphillis, Heather Parker Polanis (Rob). His grandchildren, Berkeley Poirier Michio (Michael), Brittany Koehn Ruben (Jordan), Blake Doganiero (Stephanie), Charlotte Karaphillis Kochenour (Patrick), Kaitlin Parker Yezek (Anthony) and John Karaphillis. He enjoyed a sweet, fun loving relationship with his eight great grandchildren, Bronx and Beckham Doganiero, Taylor and Parker Ruben, McKenna and Avanni Michio, Olivia Kochenour and Adeline Yezek. God daughters, Karen High and Kaye Perrett. Uncle Bill was beloved by his many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Charlotte, his son William Leslie Parker, son in law Philip Doganiero. Siblings Edward A. Parker, Mary Frances Broom, Peter B. Parker, Kathleen Altman and Ann Lancaster.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to an exceptional team of caregivers, Geri Brown, Phyllis Clarke, Maxcine Dillard, and Crystal Miller, for their tender care, devotion, and appreciation for his sense of humor. Also thank you to https://Dr.Paul Phillips and Peggy Cordel for always being there. The family is forever grateful.
Those who knew Big Bill, as he was affectionately known, will remember him as an outgoing, confident, and unfailingly positive man who always looked forward with optimism and gratitude. He truly never met a stranger. Above all else, he loved and fiercely supported his family and was deeply proud of them. He was a remarkable husband and father, always putting his family first and guiding with love, wisdom, and strength. His legacy will live on through the lives of those he loved and the countless people he inspired.
A funeral service will be held on Friday February 6, 2026 at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Clearwater at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Church of the Ascension, 701 Orange Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756
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