Obituary of Robert Edwin Parker

COLUMBIA - Robert Edwin "Buddy" Parker, III - Funeral service for Robert E. "Buddy" Parker, III, 63, will be held at 10 AM, Friday, June 5, 2015 at the Mausoleum Chapel of Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC 29072. Interment with full military honors will follow at 12:00 noon at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Buddy was born April 4, 1952, in Bradenton, Fl. He was the son of the late Clara L. and Robert E. Parker, Jr. Buddy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and was the driver of an Armored Personnel Carrier. While he was on patrol, his tank came under enemy attack. As a result, he was severely injured, losing part of his left foot, and his entire right foot. He was able to get back into the tank, and hold off the enemy until help arrived, and was able to help save most of his crew. For this act of heroism, Buddy was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and several other medals. He enjoyed many different hobbies; golf and fishing being his favorites. Buddy was a free-lance photographer; taking photos for weddings, as well as some nature photos, some of which were published in Sandlapper Magazine. He liked refinishing furniture. He called his wartime injuries an "inconvenience", and made two skydives with his brothers and together they also enjoyed riding dirt bikes. Buddy is survived by a sister Elaine, of Bradenton, FL; a brother Dan, of Gaston, SC; brother, Tony and his wife Brenda, also of Gaston, SC. He is also survived by his wife and three daughters; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his parents, and his younger sister, Sandra. Buddy was a hero in Vietnam, and he will always be a hero to those of us who truly loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund - Founders of The Wall , or the Wounded Warrior Project at Veterans Charity Service Organization that Honors & Empowers Wounded Warriors | Wounded Warrior Project