Stephen Heyward Parker

Stephen Heyward Parker, 56, of Buchanan, passed away Monday, October 3, 2011. He is the eldest son of Heyward and the late Madeline Ayers Parker. Steve is survived by his wife of 10 years, Grace Anne Gilliam Parker affectionately known as Dr. G; son, Will Parker, his companion Sarah Hunt, and son, Dale Parker all of Roanoke; father, Heyward Parker of Roanoke; sister and brother-in-law, Shari and Mark Waldeck of Botetourt; brother, Tracy Parker of Roanoke; aunt, Naomi Beard of Roanoke; nephews, Brady, Layton, and Parker Waldeck; mother-in-law and husband, Anne and Ed Braford of Natural Bridge, fsils and husbands, Ellen and Tom Gilliam of Forest and Joan and Charlie Potter of Lexington; and, Wife #2 and husband, Amy and Corbin White of Buchanan. There are many extended family members and others Steve expressly "loved like a brother." Everywhere he went; Steve shared his love and faith. He was a member of Buchanan Presbyterian Church and its Men of the Church. With 20 years dedication to the Woodson family, he retired as Service Manager at Woodson Pontiac in Roanoke. For the last seven years, Steve and Grace Anne owned and operated Advantage Driver Training where he taught many students more than just driving. He laughingly called it "Advantage Driver Training and Tours" as he instructed students how to drive to local historical sites while he explained their significance. Steve had a zeal for life and did his best to enjoy every minute of it. Steve cherished being with his sons. He organized gatherings like the Trout Rodeo to enjoy nature and cultivate it in children. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, sitting at the bridge and floating the river, most of which occurred at his treasured Sanantone. He followed many sports events and teams, most notably the Atlanta Braves. Steve was an ardent NASCAR fan, chiefly passionate about the late Dale Earnhardt. He also raced a late model stock car. For many years, Steve frequented the Preakness horse race in Baltimore. It was after the 2001 Preakness race that Steve asked horse trainer Bob Baffert to stand up for him as he proposed to Grace Anne. As a traveler, Steve particularly enjoyed beaches and historical locations. Good food and music also brought much pleasure to him. Most recently, Steve shared his talent for writing as he blogged about his stem cell transplant and created a tale about his darling ponie Smedley. Steve was the essence of a Renaissance man, although he probably didn't realize it. Off and on for 15 years, developing two different types of cancer, Steve valiantly fought for his life. His family is forever grateful to the multitude that assisted him. From Roanoke to Buchanan to the Mayo Clinic and the VCU Massey Cancer Center, Steve's precious angels here on Earth cared for and lifted him up for healing. He was so moved and appreciative of the flashlight prayer vigil held for him last week at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Gerald Schertz for his expertise and his personal care and concern for Steve. A Celebration of Steve's life will be held 1 PM , Friday, October 7, 2011, in the Buchanan Presbyterian Church with Steve's Dear Sister, The Rev. Marina Gopadze, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The VCU Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic, Caringbridge.org (stephenparker), or the Charity of your choice. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM, Thursday, October 6, 2011, in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home.