C. Edwin Parker
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C. Edwin Parker
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From there, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served his country during World War II as a flight instructor and transport pilot. Since he was licensed by the Civil Aeronautics Administration to teach navigation, meteorology, civil air regulations, aircraft, and aircraft engines, he began teaching courses and flight lessons to students at a school he conducted after the war. He was then recalled to active duty during the Korean War, and served as a transport pilot and supply officer in the Air Force.
Parker retired with the rank of major in 1953, after 21 years of experience in active duty and active reserve. He moved back to Johnson City and began work toward another goal, this time in the direction of a certified public accountant. Parker earned his CPA license in 1956 and became a partner with Baylor & Backus CPA in Johnson City.
In 1969, he established another CPA firm, which later became Parker, Stewart, Shorter & Carden.In 1972, Parker bought Johnson City Bedding Company, a manufacturing organization. Today, the business remains in his family and is operated by his son, Robert. Parker is chairman of the company’s board.
He has served on the board of directors for Home Federal Savings & Loan of Upper East Tennessee and is an advisory member of First Tennessee Bank. He served as a member of the board of directors of State of Franklin Savings Bank at its inception, and is currently a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Parker’s past involvement has included serving on the board of directors of Memorial Hospital during the construction of its present building and the Tri-Cities Airport Commission during construction of its present terminal. He was chairman of campaign for the United Way in 1966 and is a 50-year member and past president of the Johnson City Kiwanis Club.
Parker is a member of Central Baptist Church and serves on its chairman of deacons, board of directors, and various committees. He also serves on the boards of directors for the Watauga Mental Health Services, Inc., and the Tennessee Baptist Convention’s Baptist Adult Home. He is a member of the ETSU Foundation and is the district chairman of capital campaign, as well as a member of the board of trustees, at Carson Newman College.
After thirty- seven years of marriage Parker’s first wife, Dorothy, passed away in 1983. She was a proud member of the nursing profession and he funded nursing scholarships at ETSU and Carson-Newman College as memorials to her. Parker and his second wife, Barbara, were married fifteen years, ending when she passed away in 2002.
Parker has two daughters, two sons, two step-daughters, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is a member of the Seniors Golf League, and each time he plays in a tournament or with his friends at the country club, his score is either at or below his age.
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Contacts
Alumni Association · Box 70709 · Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-4218 ·
alumni@etsu.edu