Roy "Joe Buck" Lee Parker Jr.

Roy Lee Parker Jr., 72, passed away on September 19, 2025, at Signature Heritage Hall in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00pm Thursday September, 25, 2025, at First Christian Church, 316 Ann Street, Frankfort, KY 40601. Visitation with family and friends begins at 10:00am until the time of service on Thursday. He was lovingly known to many as Joe Buck, Dad, Grandpa Joe, and Papaw. Born to Ruby Mae Blair-Parker and Roy Lee Parker Sr. on October 6, 1952, in Harlan, Kentucky, Roy was the second youngest of nine children. Roy wore many hats in his lifetime. In 1972, he proudly joined the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after a live-round training injury. After his service, he spent 24 years at Crest Products/ITW as a tool and die machinist. In retirement, he became a devoted steward of Central Kentucky horse farms. His favorite role, however, was being a grandfather and serving as a friend and mentor to those in need. Known for his sly sense of humor and his booming laugh, Roy loved any excuse to be outdoors, enjoying annual boar-hunting trips and many fishing adventures. He especially looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his brothers and family fish fry. He gave the best 4-wheeler rides to his grandkids, never turned down a home project, and showed love through the practical things: fixing a flat tire, building a swing set from scratch, or whipping up enormous batches of his famous fudge to share with family and friends. Roy never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. In recent years, he and his longtime partner, Chandra, enjoyed traveling the country together, most recently exploring the Grand Canyon. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Glenn Thomas, Ted Thomas, Howard Thomas and Betty Lindholm and is survived by his sisters Margaret Broderick, Mary McCarthy, Martha Bridegroom, Rosalind Rabits, and his former wife Vicky Parker, his sons Robbie Roberts (Rebecca) and Ryan Roberts (Ann), his grandchildren Skylar, Millie, and Rocky, and his devoted partner Chandra Jones, who lovingly cared for him until his final breath. If you wish to make a donation in Roy’s memory in lieu of flowers, the family suggests Old Friends Equine Retirement, the Hope Center (hopectr.org) Veterans Transitional program, or an organization of your choice.

Roy "Joe Buck" Lee Parker Jr.

October 6, 1952 - September 19, 2025