Elwood "Woody" Belmont Parker, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2019. Woody was born on May 23, 1931 in Rocky Mount, NC to the late Elwood and Myrtle Parker.

Woody grew up in Lake Wales, FL, and graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1950. During his teenage years, Woody enjoyed helping out at his dad's dry-cleaning plant, working at the local movie theatre, and most of all, leading a dance band called the Stardusters. He attended Florida State University (FSU) for three years before enlisting in the army, where he served two years at Fort Jackson, SC as a radio and Morse Code instructor. He re-entered FSU in 1955 and graduated in 1956. While attending FSU, Woody was captain of the track team and a member of Delta Tau Delta social fraternity and the Men's Glee Club.

Woody married Eugenia "Genie" Ogden on December 8, 1956. They settled in Jacksonville, FL where they lovingly raised two daughters. They were members of both the Lakewood United Methodist Church, where Woody taught Sunday school and sang in the choir and the Arlington United Methodist Church where he served as a Stephen Minister with his wife, Genie.

Woody had a long career in marine insurance, employed by both the HOME and Aetna Insurance Companies. A man of many talents, Woody engaged in a variety of activities in his free time. When not at work, he was most often found in his garage (more like a workshop) crafting rowboats, hydroplanes, wooden soldiers, beautiful dollhouses (complete with lights and carpeting) for his daughters, dollhouse furniture, Barbie beds, and chairs made from soda cans. He also built model airplanes which he proudly hung from the garage ceiling. It goes without saying that Woody was a star in the neighborhood. In fact, one little boy frequently rang the doorbell asking if Mr. Woody could play. He even designed and built his own games, including H.O. slot car tracks and a clever football game played with marbles on a wooden base. He also exceled at photography and developed his own pictures, using a bathroom as a darkroom.

Woody's musical talents were equally as impressive. He played a mean trumpet and ukulele. In his later years, he taught himself to play the harmonica and could play just about any song requested by his adoring fans. His daughter's personal favorites included "Bonapart's Retreat," "You are My Sunshine," "Waltzing Matilda," "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," and "What a Wonderful World." He was also known to fill the halls of his retirement home with his spectacular rendition of the song, "Maria" from Westside Story.

In retirement, he and Genie enjoyed life's simple pleasures, such as walking up and down the Regency Square Mall, having coffee at Starbucks and Panera, and spending time with their grandson, Douglas. Woody was also a licensed HAM Radio Operator and thoroughly enjoyed chatting with his fellow hams over the airwaves.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood and Myrtle. He lives on in the hearts of his wife, Genie; daughters, Ruthie Brown (Doug), Rachel Myers Weissman (Alan); grandson, Douglas Brown; brothers, Richard Parker (Betty), Robert Parker (Ruth Anne); nephews, Stephen Parker, Randy Parker; and niece, Jennifer Pskowski (Dean).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.