John Milford Parker, Jr.

John Milford Parker Jr. or better known to his family and close friends as “Petsey” of Fountain, WV, passed away peacefully at his home on September 3, 2025.

Born April 19, 1952, in Keyser, WV; he was the son of the late John Parker Sr. and the late Mary Parker. John was also preceded in death by several aunts and uncles.

A devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend, John was known for his deep faith, love of the outdoors, and lifelong dedication to serving his community. An avid hunter, he found great joy in nature and cherished time spent feeding and taking hundreds of pictures of wild turkey and deer while operating the water Utility system at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) from 1987 through 2018.

Sports were another one of John’s lifelong loves. He proudly played football for the Bruce Bulldogs in his youth and remained an enthusiastic fan of the Washington Redskins throughout his life. Later, one of his greatest joys was watching his granddaughter cheer at Fort Hill and watching his grandson play high school football and then go on to play college baseball, cheering him on every step of the way with pride and joy.

John was a faithful member and deacon of Mt. Zion Church, where he lived out his faith in service to others.

In 1985, John was instrumental in the founding of the Rawlings Volunteer Fire Department, where he proudly served. His commitment to helping others extended to decades of work with the Potomac Valley Lions Club. As a charter member of the Lions Club, he devoted himself to service projects that improved countless lives. He was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow and served as District Governor from 2014-2015. Among his many passions within the Lions, he especially loved his work as Leader Dog Chairman, ensuring that others could live with independence and dignity. John also helped establish two additional local Lions Clubs, extending the mission of service even further.

Above all, John will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, and the way he touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

John is survived by two daughters, Brandi Martin and husband Daryl, Rawlings, and Tara Parker, Lonaconing; two sisters Anna June Park and husband Bob, Oakland, and Carolyn Bonney, Cabins, WV; two grandchildren; who were his pride and joy, Kyleigh Martin and fiancé Tyler, Richmond, VA and Austin Martin and wife Sophia, Bel Air; one aunt, Betty Moses and husband Pooch, Lonaconing; one niece and three nephews and many cousins and extended family.

Friends will be received at the Boal Memorial Chapel, Barton, on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8pm.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jerry Eisnhour. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 1 p.m.

Interment will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Barton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Potomac Valley Lions Club, PO Box 91, Rawlings, MD 21557 or Rawlings Volunteer Fire Department, 18900 Volunteer Drive, Rawlings, MD 21557

John’s family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with loved ones who have gone before him, and that his loyal dog Parker was faithfully by his side until the very end.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”- 2 Timothy 4:7

And for the hunter who loved the quiet of the woods. “The hunt is over; the woods are still. May he rest in peace on God’s eternal hill.”