Obituary: Alan Parker

Alan Parker, 64, beloved husband, father, and friend to all who knew him, unexpectedly passed away on Sept. 26. Alan was born on Feb. 11, 1957, alongside his twin brother Michael, to William Elliot and Lois Bennett Parker in Plainfield, New Jersey. After a little over a year, the family moved south to Asheville, North Carolina. When Alan was 16, his family settled into the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs, Georgia. He graduated from North Springs High School in 1975, before attending the University of South Carolina. Alan was a proud member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, where he served as chapter vice president. He eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration in 1979. Afterwards, Alan returned to the city of Atlanta, which he ultimately made his lifelong home. Alan met the love of his life, Helen, during the winter of 1982. It only took one date before they both knew that they would be spending the rest of their lives together. They celebrated their marriage on June 2, 1985. After three years, Alan and Helen added the first – Adam – of what would ultimately become a trio of boys. It was not long after that they added their second and third children, Zachary and Alexander.

Dating back to even before his graduation from high school, Alan began to work at what would ultimately become Halco Lubricants as a summer job. After graduation from college, Alan returned to the same company as a salesman, before working his way up to be Sales Manager. Alan continued to rise in position to ultimately become President and Co-Owner of Halco Lubricants. Alan believed fully in the qualities of integrity, generosity, and hard work, and credits his elevation from salesman to president to having these core values. Despite his success in business, Alan’s family was his passion. Every second spent outside of his professional life was devoted to the endless sporting activities of his three children. During their sporting careers, he served in various leadership capacities with the East Side Baseball Association, East Marietta Basketball Association, and the Pope Jr. and Varsity Touchdown Booster Clubs. As evidence of his determination to support his children, Alan traveled to well over 20 different colleges and towns, even including an international trip to the Republic of Ireland. Alan would do anything to put a smile on the face of those around him and was surely one of the nicest and most generous people that anyone would meet during their lifetime. He will be sorely missed.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, William Elliot and Lois Bennett Parker; and his sister, Jacqueline Parker. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Helen Szabo Parker, Brookhaven, Ga.; sons, Adam Joel Parker and Alexander Matthew Parker, Atlanta; son and daughter-in-law Zachary Aaron Parker and Loretta Modica Parker, Oklahoma City, OK; twin brother, Michael (Lauren) Parker, Atlanta; brothers-in-law, Stephen (Jennifer Aqua) Szabo, Sandy Springs, Ga. and Larry (Jill) Grossman, Trumbull, Conn.; nieces: Zoe, Ellie, Abigail, and Sarah; nephews: Jason, Jared, and Matthew. Graveside services were held on Sept. 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. Online guest book available at www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choosing in Alan’s name. Suggested charities of the Parker family include the American Diabetes Association and the August Heart Foundation. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

comments