Dr. Roderick John Parker

Dr. Roderick John ‘Lightning Rod’ Parker, age 102, of Amity, ran and won his most important race on November 13, 2020 in Hot Springs, AR. The last weeks of his life he spent bravely fighting the ravages of COVID-19.

He is survived by his children: Carolyn Parker, Jonathan Parker, Cynthia Parker, Peter Parker, Rowena Parr, Regan Myers, and Risa Parker; grandchildren, great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gwendolyn (Rowan) Parker; father, Dr. Garth Parker; mother, Jessie (Lauritzen) Parker; brother, Stanley Parker; and sister, Patricia (Parker).

He was born on November 9, 1918 in Salinas, CA. He attended Salinas High School where he developed a passion for track and field and science. After graduating in 1936, he continued his education at Stanford University where he played fullback on the football team and delighted in running through the opposition. In 1941 he graduated from Stanford University and in 1944 he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific. During World War II and the Korean War, he served in the Naval Reserve in the Dental Corps. On March 3, 1963 he married Gwendolyn Rowan, a school teacher and an Arkansas native. He and Gwendolyn moved to Arkansas where they raised their three daughters, Rowena, Regan, and Risa. When Gwendolyn passed away in 1978, he took up competitive running. After retiring from dentistry in 2008, in 2009 at age 90, he ran the 100m dash in 18:21 seconds. In 2010 he was inducted into the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame after setting age-group records throughout his running career in 100m, 200m, and 400m events.

He enjoyed good conversation and meals with family and friends, writing poetry and short stories, watching football and track, and running in the woods with his dogs. He believed in God’s grace as evidenced through Christ, cherished his family, respected his country, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

He attended Amity First Baptist Church where a memorial service will be planned for the springtime. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to a pet adoption agency of your choice. Arrangements are with Davis-Smith Funeral Home in Glenwood, AR; condolences may be expressed on-line at www.davis-smith.com.