Roy Acton Parker passed away early Friday morning, January 1, 2021, at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of 87. He was born on November 25, 1933, to Roy Ellis and Carrie Mae (Acton) Parker in Jackson, Mississippi. Being the forever student, he received his B.S. in math and chemistry from Millsaps College, his M.S. in nuclear physics from Vanderbilt and his Ph.D. in nuclear physics from LSU. On December 30, 2020, he celebrated his 59th wedding anniversary with his wife, Joann. Roy played the saxophone and had a great love of music always listening to jazz and big band. In the mid-sixties, he got his private pilot's license and forever enjoyed listening to live air traffic control feeds. In February 1965, he became the first Director of the Louisiana Division of Radiation Control. And in July of 1971, he became the Executive Administrator and Medical Radiation Physicist establishing the Mary Bird Perkins Treatment Center. Roy eventually settled into his role as a Radiation and Health Physicist in May of 1978, only retiring on Christmas Eve 2020. Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Carrie Mae. He is survived by his wife Joann Todd Parker, his two daughters, Cheryl (Parker) Rayborn and Charlene Parker, his four grandchildren Elizabeth Siadous, Giles Siadous, Delaney Rayborn, and Duncan Rayborn, his son-in-law, Sam Rayborn, and his niece and two nephews, Kelly Todd, Paul Todd, and Jeff Armstrong. Special thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge for all of their care and kindness for Roy. In keeping with Roy's pursuit of knowledge and wishes, his body has been donated to the LSU School of Medicine and there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National WW II Museum or a charity of your choice.
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Dr Parker helped our airline maintain a radiation safety program. He was an enigma and the expert but also a great storyteller. On one of his visits to Columbus I asked him how he got started in his career. He gladly obliged. So instead of classtime he shared with me his story and the history of transporting class 7. I saw a different side of him. He also permitted me to record it. A couple of times we ribbed one another over LSU vs UGA college football outcomes. Great guy ...i was in the right time and place to have met him.
Dave T
Dave
Friend
February 8, 2021
This is a personal msg from people wo were in very regular contact with Mr Roy Parker. We worked with him professionally. He will be missed!
Our condolences to the family.
The Belgium cargo dept - FedEx
sandra Ceulemans
Coworker
January 29, 2021
Joann, Parrish sent me the info on Roy. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Roy was a unique man and had a great sense of humor. I remember him fondly. Praying for yours and the girls comfort. Love you. Kathy Clair
Kathy Clair
Friend
January 19, 2021
Dear, Joann/Cheryl/Charlene, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Roy. While at FedEx I worked with Roy for over 40 years. He was such a great assistance with the regulatory transportation by air and ground of radioactive material. His expertise is irreplaceable. I am glad to have spent many times with him at conferences and training seminars. I just spoke with him this last November and had a great conversation. He will be greatly missed. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
David Littlejohn
David Littlejohn
Friend
January 13, 2021
In the early 1980s, I took the Industrial Radiography course from Gamma Industries in Baton Rouge. Mr. Parker was our speaker on transportation. He talked about big companies trying to ship a package and were told: "You can't ship that!" So they tried it a different way and: "You can't ship that!" And after three more times, they called Roy Parker. He was the "Perry Mason" of shipping.
Steve Matthews
Student
January 12, 2021
I only knew Roy about 30 years. As General Counsel to the Radiopharmaceutical Shippers & Carriers, I relied upon Roy's exquisite knowledge of regulations and the reality of radiation. We will miss him deeply.
Larry Bierlein
Friend
January 11, 2021
Dr Parker was the greatest help to me. He worked for years with FedEx Express assisting in all radioactive issues involving our packages. I was on the phone with him almost daily needing his help. He saved my constantly. I knew nothing about radiation and was here I Memphis. I talked with him for close to 40 years. I am grateful for his kind assistance. I salute him. He was the best. The very best at his profession and I am ever in his debt. He was such a great man. I miss him. He was my valued instructor and so wise. Radiation is such a mystery to me and he was always there helping me. Thanks you.
Paul Patrick
Coworker
January 10, 2021
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