John Robert Parker, Sr., age 89, of Buford, Georgia, passed away on September 30, 2026.

John was born in Ava, Illinois, on August 1, 1937. He was an only child and grew up in Aurora, Illinois. He graduated from Northwestern University and had a long career with IBM, retiring after 30 years with the company. He was dedicated to his family and church community, and was a musician throughout his life, playing piano and clarinet as well as participating in many choral groups.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Franklin Parker and Carrie Gertrude Parker (née Wagner).

John is survived by his wife, Karen Lee Parker (née Mortenson); their children, Jennifer Parker, John Robert Parker, Jr., and Susan Michelle Graham; his son-in-law, Jason Graham; and his daughter-in-law, Gabrielle Renée Dall. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Benjamin and Elizabeth Graham, and Madeline, Henry, and Tallulah Dall-Parker.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (nghs.com/foundation/hospice) or McKendree United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville (mckendreeumc.org/give).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.