Deceased: Born 23 Jun 1941 Passed 20 Jan 2022, We regret to announce the passing of Retired Veteran Major Brady L. Parker, 80, of Moncks Corner, SC who entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 2:30 AM at the Summerville Community Hospice House in Summerville, SC. Major Brady was the loving father of Elizabeth Perry of Moncks Corner, SC. LIFE REFELCTIONS OF BRADY L. LEWIS Brady Lewis Parker said good bye to this world early Thursday morning on January 20, 2022, at 80 years old. He is preceded in death by his father; Perry Milton Parker (former Grand Master of the Texas Masonic Lodge); mother, Amelia E. Parker (née Lewis); sister, Nell Parker (married names Richard, Harshman, and Ward); half-sister, Dorothy Worl (formerly Theriot); and nephews Richard Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Perry Parker Friese, and granddaughter Lily Weh-la Marie Friese, both of Moncks Corner; grandson Nickolaus Parker Friese, granddaughter Ellie Catherine Friese,and granddaughter in heart Anne Sophia Friese, all of Lawrenceville,GA; and nephews James Brady (Brad) Richard & his husband Tim Watson, of New Orleans, LA,Kenneth Byrd & his long time partner Jo Wize of Edmond,OK and Lee Theriot, of Weatherford,TX; and brother-in-law Bill Worl, of Georgetown, TX. A proud native Texan, he was raised in Waco and Port Arthur. A proud Major of the United States Marine Corps, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam and fully retired from the service in 1986. For some years after his service, he lived in southern California, most notably in Laguna Beach, which he loved. A man of many trades, he had many residences. In his later years, he returned to Waco (where he is sorely missed by his dear friends, Don & Lynn Gallaspy and Robbie Jones). Declining health led him to move to South Carolina to live with his daughter not long after the death of his sister, Nell. All his life, Brady Parker held closely to family and friends, and his extraordinary memory could call up remarkably vivid and colorful details. His interests and passions were wide-ranging—languages, history, cooking, Native American lore (particularly that of the Comanches, with whom he identified), and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a natural and gifted storyteller, and he loved to tell a good, long joke. A week before he died, he ended his last phone call with his nephew Brad (who was coming to visit the day before he passed), “Well, I’m outta here!” OCS: D-4 TBS: D-4
Wife: -
Address: 3706 North 22nd street, Waco, TX 76708
Phone: (Home): -, (Work): -, (Cell): 504-554-0963 (Nephew will pass on any message)
e-Mail: richard.brad@gmail.com (Nephew will pass on any message)
Deceased: The football world, along with the communities of Round Rock, the Austin Metro, Texas, and Hugo, Oklahoma, are mourning the loss of Mike Parker, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former University of Arkansas football standout, former University of Texas defensive line coach, and highly respected real estate broker in Round Rock, TX. Parker passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication both on and off the field.
Born and raised in Hugo, Oklahoma, Mike was the son of legendary high school football coach, Vancile “Buff” Parker. A natural athlete, Mike excelled in both football and boxing, earning Golden Gloves recognition and ultimately securing the final football scholarship to the University of Arkansas.
In 1959, under head coach Frank Broyles, Mike began his collegiate football journey with the Razorbacks, playing defensive halfback. His time with the Razorbacks was nothing short of historic. He contributed to the 1961 Southwest Conference Championship team and played in back-to-back Sugar Bowl victories in 1962 and 1963. As a senior, Mike served as team captain, was named Defensive Player of the 1963 Sugar Bowl, and brought immense pride to his hometown. One friend reflected, “Mike Parker was a hero as I grew up in Hugo. I remember watching the Sugar Bowl game, all Hugoites were so proud.”
Mike’s love for the game of football was lifelong. Inspired by his father’s path, he pursued coaching and remained with the Razorbacks in 1964 as a graduate assistant coach, helping aid the team in their National Championship victory over Nebraska.
In 1965, just three credit hours shy of earning his Master’s in Education, Mike Parker felt called to serve his country as the Vietnam War escalated. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and duty, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completion of basic training, he graduated from Officer Cadet School (OCS), to become a U.S. Marine Corps Captain. Parker was one of the first companies to be deployed to the DMZ Line.
Parker being stationed on a helicopter carrier, got called in to make a rescue of a company due to an ambush at the DMZ line. Parker dropped in 30ft alongside his platoon, but when they got on the ground, they quickly realized they were surrounded by the North Vietnamese infantry and were trapped. His squad endured relentless enemy fire for several days, both day and night, facing intense combat conditions with bravery and resilience.
In a state of disorientation, the lead commander called for everyone to rush the enemy line and “get ‘em”. In the midst of chaos, Parker approached the commander and said, “Hold on…You’re not getting me killed today.” Taking swift control of what is known as Operation Buffalo, Parker quickly devised a strategic plan and called in tanks to pinpoint the size and location of where the North Vietnamese battalion was positioned.
In moment’s notice, Parkers squad came under heavy sniper fire and bombardment, losing tanks and men, it became clear - they were outnumbered. This bombardment lasted 2-3 days when Parker was then able to get air support to help keep the enemy behind the lines resulting in saving many lives that day and allowing the United States to hold and keep its position at the DMZ line. Operation Buffalo was a critical battle and a defining victory for the US early in the war, the commanding officer received the Silver Star for this battle.
Mike Parker is a decorated US Marine Corps Veteran earning the following:
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal 3 Stars
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/a Device
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Bronze
Sharpshooter Badge .45 Pistol
After being injured in battle and receiving a Purple Heart, Parker, was stationed back on the US mainland at Quantico. He then began his career as the offensive coordinator for the USMC Football Team and found the love of his life, Janice McKay, of Frederiksberg, VA.
In 1969, Parker got the call to come back to the mighty Southwest Conference and joined the SMU Football Staff, under Hayden Fry as Head Coach as a varsity and scouting coach, then quickly moved to secondary under the Defensive Coordinator, Bum Phillps. Mike married Janice on December 26,1970 and moved to Dallas to begin their new life together that spanned almost 55 years. In the 1971 season, Southern Methodist University finished with a 7-4 record, tying for second place in the SWC. That incredible team, along with Parker, was later inducted into the SMU Football Hall of Fame.
Following the 1971 season, Parker headed across the mighty Mississippi to coach at Southern Mississippi State as their Defensive End Coach. It was there in Hattiesburg, MS, that he and Janice started their family. In 1973 Janice gave birth to their first and only son, Michael, and almost two years later to their first daughter, Nathali (Weisman), in 1975.
In the spring of 1975, Fred Akers called from Larime, WY, and hired Parker to lead the Defensive Line for the University of Wyoming Cowboys. Parker bought his wife a house, sight unseen by her in Laramie, WY. As a good coach’s wife, she packed up the house in Mississippi with a 3-week-old newborn, a 21-month-old toddler, and the bird dog and moved to Larime, WY. At University of Wyoming Parker played a key role in helping the Cowboys secure the 1975 WAC Conference Championship. That standout team was later also inducted into the UWY Cowboys Football Hall of Fame.
Then, in 1977 Austin, TX called…Fred Akers had been hired as head coach for the University of Texas Longhorns. Parker joined the Longhorn staff as the Defensive Tackles Coach and Janice and Mike welcomed their third and final child, Karen (Rogers), in 1978. In Austin, Texas is where Mike Parkers coaching legacy was truly created. The 1977 Longhorn Team went 11-0 and were the Southwest Conference Champions and Co-National Champions. Earl Campbell won the Heisman Trophy, and the Longhorns boasted the #1 top-ranked defensive line in the nation, with Brad Shearer wining the prestigious Outland Trophy Award. In Parker’s final season with the Longhorns in 1984, the team won the Southwest Conference and advanced to play in the 1984 Cotton Bowl for the National Championship against Georgia, but fell short, losing 9-10.
Coach Parker’s nearly decade long career with the Texas Longhorns was marked with exceptional success. Under his leadership the team consistently held the #1 defensive line in the nation and produced several national award winners and NFL players. Known as the “Million Dollar” coach, Parker coached and mentored: Brad Shearer, 1977 Outland Trophy Award Winner (Chicago Bears); Kenneth Sims,1981 Lombardi Award winner and the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1981 NFL Draft (New England Patriots); Tony Degrate, 1984 Lombardi Award Winner (Green Bay Packers). During his time with the Longhorns, his team had at least one, usually 2, All-American and NFL draftees every single season.
Nicknamed “Saigon Mike” by his beloved UT Players, Parker coached many great Longhorns, All Americans and NFL players such as, Steve McMichael (NFL Hall of Fame), Bill Aker, Steve Massey, Raymond Woodard, John Haines, Ralph Darnell, Jeff Dilworth, Mark Weber, Bill Heathcock, Terry Adams, Greg Wright, Rocky Reid, Chalmer Adams, and more. Not only did he coach some of the GREATS of Longhorn Football but he also recruited them such as Robert Brewer, Hurkey Walls, Kurk McJunkin, Rob Moreshell, and many others.
In an article written by Papiya Chatterjee about Kenneth Sims: “Mike Parker was the Texas defensive line coach when he received that frantic call from Dabbs about Sims. Once Sims knew that Parker was recruiting him, he made up his mind. “I came here because of Parker. My mother thinks he’s the salt of the earth, which he is. I’m friends with his family today. He’s a Marine, Purple Heart. He’s a real tough guy, and that’s why we were all tough,” the defensive lineman said as per an excerpt in the book “What it Means to Be a Longhorn.” Yet, it all could’ve been so different. Sims nearly became an Aggie before he was a Longhorn.
Former UT All-American and NFL player, Raymond Woodard, wrote in a tribute, “Mike Parker was our DT coach at UT. The best position coach I ever had and a tremendous leader. RIP Coach Parker, I’m a better man for having you in my life.”
Another said: “He coached many Longhorn legends. He was a hell of a good guy and will be missed.”
RC Slocum (Former Texas A&M Head Coach) said, “R.I.P. Mike. We spent a lot of time on the recruiting trail going head-to-head. You were a good guy.”
“…A life well lived for sure! A wonderful man, mentor and Coach to those of us that played for him. Best Coach I ever had for sure! He will be missed but his legacy lives on for many of us. God Bless you and the family. RIP Mike!” -John Haines, former UT All-American and NFL player.
Stephen Ross wrote, “I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of Mike. He was a great coach, but a better man. He loved his players, he loved football, but there was much more to him than just that. As a reporter I loved that he was a straight shooter and a great story teller. As a friend, I admired his loyalty and ability to connect with just about anyone. In those younger days Mike was part of a group of us that would play doubles tennis during lunch in the summertime. Tough competitor, but smiling all the way.”
After retiring from football, Parker transitioned into the real estate world. In 1995 he founded, Mike Parker & Company Real Estate, serving the Round Rock and Austin Metro area with the same integrity and work ethic that defined his earlier life. His company became known for “down-home sensibilities with first-class service.” Mike was an active member of the St. Williams Catholic church for over 47 years and served as an usher and member of The Knights of Columbus. In addition, he was active in Sertoma for over 20 years where he also served as President.
Mike Parker loved quail hunting, especially with his brothers, fishing for big mouth bass, playing golf and hunting for golf balls, watching football and laughing as much as he could. The world stopped when Mike Parker was hungry – he loved eating popcorn, BBQ, fried chicken, and Tex Mex.
But most of all…Mike Parker LOVED his wife, kids and grandkids. He was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife Janice of almost 55 years, his children Michael Parker, Nathali Parker Weisman (Johnny), Karen Parker Rogers (Guy) and his grandchildren Claire Parker, Amelia Parker, and Ewing Rogers, his brothers Bill Parker (Barbara) of Ardmore, OK, Tom Parker of Hugo, OK, and his sister-in-law, Charlene Parker of Atlanta, GA.
He is preceded in death by his father Vancile “Buffalo” Parker, his mother, Margaret Wheeler Parker and his brother, Vancile G. Parker (Charlene), Atlanta, GA. Mike was also a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. OCS: D-4 TBS: E-4
Wife: Janice
Address: 3904 Powderhorn Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681
Deceased: Dar succumbed to a cancerous gilblastoma tumor of the brain. He died in Naperville, IL on June 22, 2005 at his home. A graduate of Iowa State University, Dar was an infantry platoon commander and served two tours in Vietnam. Dar was on active duty for 5 years and spent 25 years in the reserves advancing to Bird Colonel. He was active in the Chicago area Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, serving as the Chicago Ball Chairman from 1993 to 2005. Dar was interred at the Quantico National Cemetery. OCS: C-4 TBS: D-4
Wife: Linda
Address: 1121 Summit Hills Lane, Naperville, IL 60563
William Syrus Poole, of Boynton Beach, FL, passed away peacefully, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his wife and daughters in the early morning hours of Friday, June 5 2020. He was born in Jacksonville, FL on August 16, 1940.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Adeline Price Poole, father, Ward Beecher Poole, daughter, Wendy Jean Poole, and niece, Katelynn Danielle Barnes. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bayly Walsh Poole, daughters, Kelly Gregan, Jill West (Barry), granddaughter, Carly Jean Gregan, grandsons, Griffin William West and Trenton Isaac West, sisters, Elizabeth Englert (Richard), Beverly Chandler (Barry), Frances Heckermann (Gerhard) and many cousins, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Bill was raised in Jacksonville Beach, FL, where he met Bayly in the church youth group. After graduating from Duncan U. Fletcher High School, Bill went on to Georgia Tech. After two years there Bill and Bayly married and moved to Gainesville, FL where he became a proud Gator! He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Washington, DC was the next destination for Bill, Bayly and Kelly Lynn and a job with the US Patent Office. While there Bill joined the US Marine Corps Reserve. As the war in Vietnam intensified Bill felt called to active duty. As a Radar Intercept Officer he was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, SC. Wendy Jean joined the family. His tour in Vietnam was cut short by his F4 Phantom jet being shot down. Bill was awarded the Purple Heart and completed two more years in Beaufort.
The next stop was back to his roots and a job as a Systems Engineer with Florida Power & Light in West Palm Beach, FL. There his love of the water, fishing, scuba diving and boating was fulfilled and Jill Elizabeth was added to the family. Bill joined the 4th Anglico Reserve Unit in West Palm Beach, holding various leadership positions including Executive Officer, Officer-in-Charge, and Commanding Officer while completing his 31 years of service and retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Bill retired from FPL after 25 years and joined Bayly in the real estate sales business establishing a long lasting reputation of dedication and integrity.
Bill's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was very important to him and was evident in the life he lived. At the time of his death, he was a member of Family Church Downtown, West Palm Beach. He showed his love for his family, friends and community with deeds and a servant's heart. He was always available to help in any capacity. He enjoyed running, fishing,the Keys and jalapenos. He was famous for his homemade salsa and smoked fish dip!
He was the silly uncle, the family prankster, and witty. He took his family on numerous vacations, usually surrounded by water. He loved playing island music loudly on his boat, the Baylywick, singing at the top of his lungs! He established and loved the annual Poole family reunion in Sebastian, FL.
He loved all, but his wife, daughters and grandchildren were truly the apples of his eye. He showered them with love and they brought him great pride and joy. Our hearts are breaking, but we know he has been made whole with Jesus and is dancing wildly with Wendy to "Chantilly Lace" in heaven.
He will be interred at the National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. Church and graveside services with full military honors will be held once Covid restrictions have lifted. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice .
Published by The Palm Beach Post from Jun. 20 to Jun. 21, 2020.
OCS: B-3 TBS: D-4
Wife: Bayly
Address: 731-2 Northeast 12th Terrace, Boynton Beach, FL 33435
Deceased: Roger died on July 27, 2012. He is interred in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. When Roger was buried, the remains of his son, Michael, who was killed by an IED in Iraq in 2005 was relocated from the Riverside National Cemetery to be co-interred with Roger. OCS: D-3 TBS: D-4
Deceased: Born 23 Jun 1941 Passed 20 Jan 2022, We regret to announce the passing of Retired Veteran Major Brady L. Parker, 80, of Moncks Corner, SC who entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 2:30 AM at the Summerville Community Hospice House in Summerville, SC. Major Brady was the loving father of Elizabeth Perry of Moncks Corner, SC. LIFE REFELCTIONS OF BRADY L. LEWIS Brady Lewis Parker said good bye to this world early Thursday morning on January 20, 2022, at 80 years old. He is preceded in death by his father; Perry Milton Parker (former Grand Master of the Texas Masonic Lodge); mother, Amelia E. Parker (née Lewis); sister, Nell Parker (married names Richard, Harshman, and Ward); half-sister, Dorothy Worl (formerly Theriot); and nephews Richard Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Perry Parker Friese, and granddaughter Lily Weh-la Marie Friese, both of Moncks Corner; grandson Nickolaus Parker Friese, granddaughter Ellie Catherine Friese,and granddaughter in heart Anne Sophia Friese, all of Lawrenceville,GA; and nephews James Brady (Brad) Richard & his husband Tim Watson, of New Orleans, LA,Kenneth Byrd & his long time partner Jo Wize of Edmond,OK and Lee Theriot, of Weatherford,TX; and brother-in-law Bill Worl, of Georgetown, TX. A proud native Texan, he was raised in Waco and Port Arthur. A proud Major of the United States Marine Corps, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam and fully retired from the service in 1986. For some years after his service, he lived in southern California, most notably in Laguna Beach, which he loved. A man of many trades, he had many residences. In his later years, he returned to Waco (where he is sorely missed by his dear friends, Don & Lynn Gallaspy and Robbie Jones). Declining health led him to move to South Carolina to live with his daughter not long after the death of his sister, Nell. All his life, Brady Parker held closely to family and friends, and his extraordinary memory could call up remarkably vivid and colorful details. His interests and passions were wide-ranging—languages, history, cooking, Native American lore (particularly that of the Comanches, with whom he identified), and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a natural and gifted storyteller, and he loved to tell a good, long joke. A week before he died, he ended his last phone call with his nephew Brad (who was coming to visit the day before he passed), “Well, I’m outta here!”
Deceased: The football world, along with the communities of Round Rock, the Austin Metro, Texas, and Hugo, Oklahoma, are mourning the loss of Mike Parker, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former University of Arkansas football standout, former University of Texas defensive line coach, and highly respected real estate broker in Round Rock, TX. Parker passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication both on and off the field.
Born and raised in Hugo, Oklahoma, Mike was the son of legendary high school football coach, Vancile “Buff” Parker. A natural athlete, Mike excelled in both football and boxing, earning Golden Gloves recognition and ultimately securing the final football scholarship to the University of Arkansas.
In 1959, under head coach Frank Broyles, Mike began his collegiate football journey with the Razorbacks, playing defensive halfback. His time with the Razorbacks was nothing short of historic. He contributed to the 1961 Southwest Conference Championship team and played in back-to-back Sugar Bowl victories in 1962 and 1963. As a senior, Mike served as team captain, was named Defensive Player of the 1963 Sugar Bowl, and brought immense pride to his hometown. One friend reflected, “Mike Parker was a hero as I grew up in Hugo. I remember watching the Sugar Bowl game, all Hugoites were so proud.”
Mike’s love for the game of football was lifelong. Inspired by his father’s path, he pursued coaching and remained with the Razorbacks in 1964 as a graduate assistant coach, helping aid the team in their National Championship victory over Nebraska.
In 1965, just three credit hours shy of earning his Master’s in Education, Mike Parker felt called to serve his country as the Vietnam War escalated. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and duty, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completion of basic training, he graduated from Officer Cadet School (OCS), to become a U.S. Marine Corps Captain. Parker was one of the first companies to be deployed to the DMZ Line.
Parker being stationed on a helicopter carrier, got called in to make a rescue of a company due to an ambush at the DMZ line. Parker dropped in 30ft alongside his platoon, but when they got on the ground, they quickly realized they were surrounded by the North Vietnamese infantry and were trapped. His squad endured relentless enemy fire for several days, both day and night, facing intense combat conditions with bravery and resilience.
In a state of disorientation, the lead commander called for everyone to rush the enemy line and “get ‘em”. In the midst of chaos, Parker approached the commander and said, “Hold on…You’re not getting me killed today.” Taking swift control of what is known as Operation Buffalo, Parker quickly devised a strategic plan and called in tanks to pinpoint the size and location of where the North Vietnamese battalion was positioned.
In moment’s notice, Parkers squad came under heavy sniper fire and bombardment, losing tanks and men, it became clear - they were outnumbered. This bombardment lasted 2-3 days when Parker was then able to get air support to help keep the enemy behind the lines resulting in saving many lives that day and allowing the United States to hold and keep its position at the DMZ line. Operation Buffalo was a critical battle and a defining victory for the US early in the war, the commanding officer received the Silver Star for this battle.
Mike Parker is a decorated US Marine Corps Veteran earning the following:
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal 3 Stars
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/a Device
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Bronze
Sharpshooter Badge .45 Pistol
After being injured in battle and receiving a Purple Heart, Parker, was stationed back on the US mainland at Quantico. He then began his career as the offensive coordinator for the USMC Football Team and found the love of his life, Janice McKay, of Frederiksberg, VA.
In 1969, Parker got the call to come back to the mighty Southwest Conference and joined the SMU Football Staff, under Hayden Fry as Head Coach as a varsity and scouting coach, then quickly moved to secondary under the Defensive Coordinator, Bum Phillps. Mike married Janice on December 26,1970 and moved to Dallas to begin their new life together that spanned almost 55 years. In the 1971 season, Southern Methodist University finished with a 7-4 record, tying for second place in the SWC. That incredible team, along with Parker, was later inducted into the SMU Football Hall of Fame.
Following the 1971 season, Parker headed across the mighty Mississippi to coach at Southern Mississippi State as their Defensive End Coach. It was there in Hattiesburg, MS, that he and Janice started their family. In 1973 Janice gave birth to their first and only son, Michael, and almost two years later to their first daughter, Nathali (Weisman), in 1975.
In the spring of 1975, Fred Akers called from Larime, WY, and hired Parker to lead the Defensive Line for the University of Wyoming Cowboys. Parker bought his wife a house, sight unseen by her in Laramie, WY. As a good coach’s wife, she packed up the house in Mississippi with a 3-week-old newborn, a 21-month-old toddler, and the bird dog and moved to Larime, WY. At University of Wyoming Parker played a key role in helping the Cowboys secure the 1975 WAC Conference Championship. That standout team was later also inducted into the UWY Cowboys Football Hall of Fame.
Then, in 1977 Austin, TX called…Fred Akers had been hired as head coach for the University of Texas Longhorns. Parker joined the Longhorn staff as the Defensive Tackles Coach and Janice and Mike welcomed their third and final child, Karen (Rogers), in 1978. In Austin, Texas is where Mike Parkers coaching legacy was truly created. The 1977 Longhorn Team went 11-0 and were the Southwest Conference Champions and Co-National Champions. Earl Campbell won the Heisman Trophy, and the Longhorns boasted the #1 top-ranked defensive line in the nation, with Brad Shearer wining the prestigious Outland Trophy Award. In Parker’s final season with the Longhorns in 1984, the team won the Southwest Conference and advanced to play in the 1984 Cotton Bowl for the National Championship against Georgia, but fell short, losing 9-10.
Coach Parker’s nearly decade long career with the Texas Longhorns was marked with exceptional success. Under his leadership the team consistently held the #1 defensive line in the nation and produced several national award winners and NFL players. Known as the “Million Dollar” coach, Parker coached and mentored: Brad Shearer, 1977 Outland Trophy Award Winner (Chicago Bears); Kenneth Sims,1981 Lombardi Award winner and the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1981 NFL Draft (New England Patriots); Tony Degrate, 1984 Lombardi Award Winner (Green Bay Packers). During his time with the Longhorns, his team had at least one, usually 2, All-American and NFL draftees every single season.
Nicknamed “Saigon Mike” by his beloved UT Players, Parker coached many great Longhorns, All Americans and NFL players such as, Steve McMichael (NFL Hall of Fame), Bill Aker, Steve Massey, Raymond Woodard, John Haines, Ralph Darnell, Jeff Dilworth, Mark Weber, Bill Heathcock, Terry Adams, Greg Wright, Rocky Reid, Chalmer Adams, and more. Not only did he coach some of the GREATS of Longhorn Football but he also recruited them such as Robert Brewer, Hurkey Walls, Kurk McJunkin, Rob Moreshell, and many others.
In an article written by Papiya Chatterjee about Kenneth Sims: “Mike Parker was the Texas defensive line coach when he received that frantic call from Dabbs about Sims. Once Sims knew that Parker was recruiting him, he made up his mind. “I came here because of Parker. My mother thinks he’s the salt of the earth, which he is. I’m friends with his family today. He’s a Marine, Purple Heart. He’s a real tough guy, and that’s why we were all tough,” the defensive lineman said as per an excerpt in the book “What it Means to Be a Longhorn.” Yet, it all could’ve been so different. Sims nearly became an Aggie before he was a Longhorn.
Former UT All-American and NFL player, Raymond Woodard, wrote in a tribute, “Mike Parker was our DT coach at UT. The best position coach I ever had and a tremendous leader. RIP Coach Parker, I’m a better man for having you in my life.”
Another said: “He coached many Longhorn legends. He was a hell of a good guy and will be missed.”
RC Slocum (Former Texas A&M Head Coach) said, “R.I.P. Mike. We spent a lot of time on the recruiting trail going head-to-head. You were a good guy.”
“…A life well lived for sure! A wonderful man, mentor and Coach to those of us that played for him. Best Coach I ever had for sure! He will be missed but his legacy lives on for many of us. God Bless you and the family. RIP Mike!” -John Haines, former UT All-American and NFL player.
Stephen Ross wrote, “I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of Mike. He was a great coach, but a better man. He loved his players, he loved football, but there was much more to him than just that. As a reporter I loved that he was a straight shooter and a great story teller. As a friend, I admired his loyalty and ability to connect with just about anyone. In those younger days Mike was part of a group of us that would play doubles tennis during lunch in the summertime. Tough competitor, but smiling all the way.”
After retiring from football, Parker transitioned into the real estate world. In 1995 he founded, Mike Parker & Company Real Estate, serving the Round Rock and Austin Metro area with the same integrity and work ethic that defined his earlier life. His company became known for “down-home sensibilities with first-class service.” Mike was an active member of the St. Williams Catholic church for over 47 years and served as an usher and member of The Knights of Columbus. In addition, he was active in Sertoma for over 20 years where he also served as President.
Mike Parker loved quail hunting, especially with his brothers, fishing for big mouth bass, playing golf and hunting for golf balls, watching football and laughing as much as he could. The world stopped when Mike Parker was hungry – he loved eating popcorn, BBQ, fried chicken, and Tex Mex.
But most of all…Mike Parker LOVED his wife, kids and grandkids. He was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife Janice of almost 55 years, his children Michael Parker, Nathali Parker Weisman (Johnny), Karen Parker Rogers (Guy) and his grandchildren Claire Parker, Amelia Parker, and Ewing Rogers, his brothers Bill Parker (Barbara) of Ardmore, OK, Tom Parker of Hugo, OK, and his sister-in-law, Charlene Parker of Atlanta, GA.
He is preceded in death by his father Vancile “Buffalo” Parker, his mother, Margaret Wheeler Parker and his brother, Vancile G. Parker (Charlene), Atlanta, GA. Mike was also a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. OCS: D-4
