Rufus "Ronnie" Ronald Parker, Jr.

Rufus Ronald Parker, Jr., age 71, of Palestine, Texas, passed away on Friday, the 5th day of June 2026, in Tyler, Texas.  “Ronnie” as he was best known, was born on the 6th day of May 1955 to the late Rufus Parker and Janie Blackwell Parker.

Born and raised in Palestine, Texas, Ronnie developed a lifelong passion for the culinary arts at an early age while watching his mother cook. Over the decades, he became a master in the kitchen. He was widely celebrated among family and friends for his signature banana pudding and his mouth-watering jalapeño poppers, a legendary recipe that required a steady supply of peppers, which his brother, Russell, lovingly kept him stocked with throughout the years.

Outside the kitchen, Ronnie lived a simple, grounded life. He found joy in his everyday routine, particularly relaxing to the sounds of classic country music and settling in to watch a good western. He was a proud, dedicated employee who gave over 20 years of service to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before his retirement. True to his easygoing nature, Ronnie cherished his retirement years, spending his days relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and doting on his beloved dogs, Sherry and Camo.

He is preceded in death by his parents Rufus and Janie Parker, brother George Patrick Parker, sister Sandra Pickle, and his nephew Damien Parker.

Ronnie will be remembered for his warm heart and his incredible cooking. He leaves behind a legacy of fond memories, and the love of his family and friends including his brother, Russell Parker and wife Lorie of Palestine, Texas; nephews, Matthew Parker and wife Amber, and Erik Parker and wife Ashley, all of Palestine, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, along with other family members and friends who he loved as family.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 8th day of June 2026 in the Molly Ray State Room at Rhone Funeral Home.

Graveside services to honor Ronnie’s life are to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 9th day of June 2026 at Parker Cemetery in Grapeland, Texas.  Ben Rhone will be officiating the service.

Graveside services for Rufus Ronald Parker, Jr. are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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