William Cameron Parker

   William “Bill” Cameron Parker, 80, of Portsmouth, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the SOMC Hospice Center. He was born on November 4, 1943, in Columbus, a son of the late Green Virgil and Rose Lee Parker Kavanaugh.

   Bill was a 1962 graduate of Portsmouth High School where he was a member of the 1961 State Champion Basketball team. He attended Rio Grande on a basketball scholarship and he loved OSU football and the Cincinnati Bengals. Bill served our country in the Air Force as sergeant, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

   Many people knew Bill from his 31 years working for Columbia Gas, where he retired as a Senior Fitter. He had a friendly and magnetic personality and a true love for people. Coupled with a love for his job and an incredible work ethic, he made many friends who will greatly miss him. Following his retirement, Bill immediately opened ELP Concrete & Gas Line Service, and he was the proprietor of the former Huddle House. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and he often took time to share the good news of God’s Kingdom.

   Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Esther L. Burns Parker, whom he married on July 28, 1981, in Portsmouth. Also surviving are four children, Kyle (Teresa) Taylor of Nashville, TN, Brooke Nicole Barnett of West Chester, Chris (Brittany) Jennings of Clearwater, FL, and Scott (Julie) Jennings of Lutz, FL; his sister, Diann E. Smith of New Boston; sisters-in-law, Catherine Berry of Portsmouth, Margaret Shaw of Crystal City, MO and Mary Smelko of Grove City; five grandchildren, Evan Taylor, Brittnei Taylor, London Barnett, Jordyn Jennings and Alaina Jennings; one great-granddaughter, Haven; a special uncle, Milton Parker of Racine, WI; several nieces, nephews and their families; and his beloved pets, dog Abby and cat Coco.

   In addition to his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Kavanaugh; and a sister-in-law, Connie Ackerman.

   A Memorial Service will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 115 Bierly Rd. in Portsmouth with Scott Literal presiding.

   Arrangements are under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth. 

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