William Preston Parker, Jr.

William Preston Parker Jr. went to be with Jesus early on June 25, 2025. He was 92 years old and a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather- among many other titles. He was greatly loved and admired and will be missed, even while we rejoice with him as he is healed and whole.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday July 3rd, 2025 at 10:00am in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St in Abilene with a graveside service to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening from 5-7pm at the funeral home.

Preston was born October 19, 1932 in Harlingen Texas the son of William Preston Sr and Oida Parker. He attended public schools in Nocona, Texas, graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1950 and was active in athletics, band, choir, UIL spelling and speaking contests and Student Council President. He attended Abilene Christian University 1950-1958 receiving a BS with honors in 1954 and a M.Ed. in 1958. He sang in a cappella chorus, men’s glee club and men’s quartet. He was also a member of Frater Sodalis men’s social club, President of A Club and Alpha Chi honor societies, and Kappa Delta Pi, the education fraternity.

He worked in the Abilene public schools from 1954-1990, serving as a 6th grade teacher/coach at Fair Park and Reagan for 7 years; and then at Madison Junior High, and Locust, Travis, Reagan, Jane Long and Johnston Elementary schools for 29 years as principal. He retired from Johnston in 1990, and was a member of NEA, TSTA, TEPSA and Phi Delta Kappa professional organizations. He loved being an educator and remembered students from decades before when he saw them around the community. Mr. Parker was a title he never grew tired of. After retiring from the AISD, he supervised student teachers from 1991-2002 as an adjunct faculty member with the ACU College of Education. Preston was active in the Abilene community and was a proud member of Abilene Founders Lions Club since October of 1967, serving as past president as well as director of the TX Lions Camp for 4 years.

Preston met Frankie Butlar at ACC and they married on October 23, 1953. They were blessed with 2 daughters and a son and their family eventually included 2 sons in law and a daughter in law as well as a total of 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. They were married for 59 wonderful years and served together at South 11th and Willis Church of Christ where Preston was an elder and they were active in missions, visiting those in the hospital, and hospice care. They were also instrumental in starting an orphanage for deaf children in Kenya named Sam’s Place. After losing Frankie, Preston reconnected with an old friend from High School in Nocona and he and Margaret McPherson married in 2014. He and Margaret were able to enjoy 10 happy years together and he loved her children and grandchildren.

Preston was preceded in death by his parents William Preston and Oida Parker, his sister Gay McFarlin, his wife Frankie Parker and his great grandson Dixon Earles. He is survived by his wife Margaret McPherson Parker, his children Cindy (Eddie) Earles of Abilene, Candy (Gene) Henderson of Lucas, TX, and Bill (Suzette) Parker of Monument, CO. He is also survived by his grandchildren James (Amanda) Earles, Katey Earles, Jason (Abby) Henderson, Jenna (Seth) King, Brody (Melanie) Earles, Ryan Parker, Jared (Lauren) Parker, Molly (James) Hart, and Lindsey (Daxtyn) Cornelius and great grandchildren Trae, Dillon, Declan, Evelyn, Riley, Libby, Nora, Connor, Maddie and Hollyn. He will also be fondly remembered by Margaret’s children, whom he loved: Anne (Steven) Seaberry, David (Debby) McPherson and Bill (Karen) McPherson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members who loved him dearly. 

Memorials in Preston’s name can be made to Sam’s Place (samsplace.reachapp), Abilene Education Foundation and Christian Homes of Abilene.