Ronald E. Parker

Ronald E. Parker (Ron), 75 of Dalton, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025.

He was the son of the late John and Bea Parker and was also preceded in death by his brother, Bruce E. Parker.

Ron retired from the Dalton Fire Department after 29 years of service. Ron was a 1968 graduate of Dalton High School. He attended Pine Grove Baptist Church and loved to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. Ron also enjoyed NASCAR, golf and watching the deer, which frequented his yard. Ron was the 2000 Slant 6 racing champion and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. He had several dogs that he loved dearly, Tootsie, Snickers, and Sandy.

He is survived by his wife, Judy H. Parker; daughters, Crystal Garland and Rhonda Thomas (Matt Cline); grandchildren, Samantha Smith (Jordan), Stephanie Thomas (Shawn), Dylan Garland, Kimberly Lang (River), Katie Thomas, and Austin Garland; great-grandchildren, Taylynn, Maverick, Grayson, Alexis and Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Janice Parker; niece and nephew, Kari Plavich (Michael), and Matthew Parker (Esther); long-time friends, Walt Parsons and Donnie Dunn. Cousins and other family members also survive.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Friday at Pine Grove Baptist Church with Dr. Kelly Grant officiating. Walt Parsons, Donnie Dunn and Mike Jenkins will serve as honorary pallbearers, along with any current or former firefighters with the Dalton Fire Department. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5 until 7 PM at Love Funeral Home.

A special thank you to the therapist and staff at Regency Park, Hamilton Hospice and Hamilton Health Care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made to the Humane Society of NWGA.

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