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Patrick (Pat) Laird Parker, age 67, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on Sunday, December 4, 2022, in Duluth, GA.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Tracy Sample; and his older brother Michael Parker of Wilmington, NC. He is predeceased by his parents.
Patrick was born at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, on August 8, 1955, to USMC Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Parker from Council Bluffs, IA, and Rosemarie Ellen Carley Parker of New York City. The young family moved south and lived in Wilmington, NC., while the father was stationed at Camp Lejeune.
Patrick attended Catholic School in primary and middle grades in NC., Michigan, and New York. In high school, he excelled at theater and was a member of Troop 3098 of the International Thespian Society located at New Hanover High School. He graduated on Friday, June 8, 1973.
After high school, Patrick moved to Atlanta and became the drummer for many local bands, including The Instants, Haywire, Interrogator, and most notably The Tombstones. His later years were marked with enthusiastic drum solos in his attic for his beloved dog Tuesday.
Patrick also performed in local theatre to the delight of many audiences and fellow cast members, which ultimately led to small roles in indie films and TV productions such as In the Heat of the Night. He joined the Screen Actors Guild, obtained a talent agent, and was once cast as Harvey Keitel’s stand-in; clearly one of his favorite accomplishments.
When Patrick wasn’t performing, he was a carpenter who had worked on many homes throughout Atlanta that underwent extensive renovations. His hands were strong and confident. His final place of employment, Staging Techniques of Atlanta, allowed Patrick to combine his love for entertainment with his gifts as a craftsman.
Patrick was a voracious reader and passionate armchair historian. The staff at Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence located at Grady Hospital absolutely adored Patrick and would always ask him about the book in his possession. It could be pure joy listening to him expound on his current reading material.
Patrick will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all that knew him. Per his wishes, his remains were cremated and his ashes to be scattered among the waves of coastal North Carolina and Georgia. In lieu of a traditional memorial service, a virtual ceremony will be held to celebrate his life.
Linda Patton says
Rip my dear friend. Deep sympathy to Tracy and his brother. He will be sorely missed. Much love 💞
Darlyn J Wilkerson says
Deepest sympathies Tracy. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Tiff says
Sending my blessings. Peace, love, and light to Patrick and Tracy.
Ilene Johnson says
Peter and I wish to extend our condonlences.
Paula Martinez says
Sending you love and light. So sorry for your loss, Tracy. Patrick was always so nice. My heart goes out to you.
AL CURRY says
“Peace & Blessings” at a time for heavy hearts shared by all of Patrick’s very dearly beloved family and friends.
Jeremiah King says
I’ll miss You greatly Patrick! You were a very insightful person that was wise and aware of so many things in world!
David Richardson says
I will miss him dearly. He had a kind heart, a great sense of humor, was multi-talented, and a true friend for many years.
State Representative Donna MeLeod says
My deepest condolences to you Tracy, the family and the friends that be missing him. May he rest in peace! Let his memory and spirit bring some measure of comfort as thr days , months, and years pass by.
STEVIE T says
Pat, You made a huge impact on my early life and you will be missed my friend. Godspeed.
Nancy Todd says
Tracy, I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s death. My heart hurts for you. Take care of yourself during this stressful time.
Gayle says
Tracy, there are no words to say right now to make you feel better, but my heart hurts for you. I regret that I missed the chance to know Patrick. He obviously had a very special place in many lives and gave so much to those who knew him. Thank you for sharing his story with me.
Chip Powell says
You were the best Murphy in cuckoo’s nest !
Mer says
Will there be a virtual memorial?
Joanna W. says
Patrick meant so much to our group. He was a great man, and he will be missed.
Debbie & Robert Goscenski says
I’m so sorry for your loss, know that Rob and send our deepest condolences and hopes for comfort and strength during this difficult time!
Debbie &
Ian M. Shipp says
Damn It Parker! Damn It Damn it Damn it. That im just now hearing of this, has me wrought with shame over the understandable woe this will assuredly be seen to have created once I can show my face in the mirror again, to hell with that mirror.
That ive been looking for you for a cpl years now and now only to have found you in passing, having had been around and close by, but not close enough, infact, closed, if close atall really.
Anyone who knows you, knows the unending level of compassion and passion but more heart that you possess both here and there about yourself still, how one minute, conveying the most tender of gestures, then as if the Devil had sprung a leak, as vicious as a cat could be and not lose his cool, seemingly, odd that. But nary the level of intensity mattering, soon thereafter, as meek as a mouse, loving as a lamb, but, better understood in how not to assume yourself as slight or to be thwarted. It created quite a few scenarios which had us back to back earning our way out of peculiar situations, which by the grace of God and the Devil himself, had us soon thereafter in fits on the ground and at times going back for more. We were given an opportunity to be two younger middleaged boy men again, not forced to grow up nor man up, on anyone elses terms, but our own. Call it irresponsble, we called it a lifestyle and apparently one of us still does.
You carried me for a period oftime, through health issues and my seemingly endless capacity for thwarting women and doghouse bound, always with your gaff being the doghouse of choice. for which i still owe you greatly. Ill seek out Tracy and or a cause dear to your heart and make the balance owed available to them. this i promise here as my word. I seen you just the other day in that Smithereens music flick, Blood n Roses. an image of yourself thats just like you. You were a stylist, in your acting craft as Johnny Cash was to his music. Alot like James Dean.
Damn it Parker, youve gutted me here. and be advised, it is my honor to you to be so and for whatever pain is to come, be it too my honor to you. I am not good at this, and i find that im getting worse even tho the frequency has increased massively, i find myself engaging with ol dbuddies too late every time i turn around, they say thats life, its not, its death. and yours is the one so far thats put the sting to me, i hope its you getting a dig at me for my belated acknowledgment.
Damn It Parker, Damn it, Damn it, Damn it.
Ta grha agam dhuit mo maith an fear’ agus, Slainte wa.
is mise, Ian McLennon Shipp
If sally hamilton seess this please contact me.
To Tracy, my heart to you and if you will please contact me so asto see if i can help ion any way and establish a means of reimbursement for debt owed. Ian Shipp 360-472-9405 Seattle