The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Korean war veteran William (Bill) Parker has died at the age of 91.
He remained a regular at parades in South Holland while was also well known for his sports and car business.
Daughter Emma Ellis said: “He often told us he’d had a full and happy life. He will be remembered fondly by many people for his sense of humour and big smile.
“He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.”
Bill and his twin brother, John, were born on May 15 1931 in the then newly built Police house in Whaplode.
His mother died when he was 11-months-old while his dad was the village’s policeman.
In his memories written for his children he remembers being in the Anderson shelter during air raids in World War Two.
Aged 16 in 1947 he attended Army Apprentice Training at Arborfield College in Berkshire where he excelled and was named ‘Best Student’.
From there he went into the Army with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer and expanded on his passion for motorsport after being based near Silverstone.
It was aged 20 in 1951 he boarded HMT Lancashire in 1951 and a week into the five- week journey they were told they were heading to South Korea to fight alongside American forces.
Bill graduated to seven star NCO officer and served in Korea for two years.
On his return he studied at Sandhurst before being posted to the Supreme Head Quarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Paris where he worked under Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery.
In his three years there he continued his love of sports, becoming a black belt in judo, playing rugby and gaining his pilot’s licence.
He returned to Holbeach at Theological College where his father was soon to be a vicar.
His first civilian job was at JB Motor Engineers in Holbeach, then on to PB Bettinson of Westlode Street, and Station Garage, Winsover Road before purchasing his own business – Commercial Road Garage – in 1964 where he worked until the mid-80s.
Bill married Pat Markillie in 1961 and moved to Spalding.
They had three girls Rachel, Rebecca and Emma.
He founded the Spalding Judo Club and with Pat was a founder member of the Spalding and District Riding Club going on to be a commentator and judge at many equestrian events.
Bill joined the Spalding Snooker and Billiards League in 1958, becoming its president and first player to score centuries in the league in both snooker and billiards while winning eight open championships.
He continued to play snooker and golf even after losing his right eye in an accident at work.
Bill also became chairman of the Lincolnshire branch of the British Korean Veterans Association in 2002 and a year later met then Prince Charles to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korean Armistice.
Emma continued: “Bill’s life can be summed up with his favourite quote: ‘Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming – WOW – what a ride!’
“He leaves three daughters and six grandchildren who will all miss his huge smile and silly sense of humour.”
Bill’s friend Mark Le Sage, added: “He was a great and wonderful friend and will be missed by all that knew him.”
Bill’s funeral is on Friday, March 24. A service for family and friends will take place at Holbeach Buch at 11am before a family service at Peterborough Crematorium. No flowers, donations to Help for Heroes.
