Harry Lynn Parker

Harry Lynn Parker, Jr., 95, husband of Sandra Speare Parker, passed away on August 20, 2026.

Lynn is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sandra Speare Parker and three sons: Andrew Lynn Parker, David Harry Parker (Linda) and Gordon Speare Parker (Gemma). After three sons, he loved having four grand-daughters: Jessica Mischner, Evan Parker, Madeline Parker and Evelyn Parker, and two great grand-children: Camp and Sally Mischner. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Parker Connell and brother-in-lawJimmy Connell. Lynn was predeceased by his parents, Harry Lynn Parker, Jr. and Evelyn Irwin Parker.

Lynn was born in Knoxville, Tenn. but moved with his family to Spartanburg when he was five. He loved sports and played football and basketball at Spartan High School where he was a Team Captain and Vice-President of the Senior Class. Later, he played tennis and made many friendships on the courts.

Lynn attended Duke University where he played on the freshman football team and later graduated from Clemson College. After graduation, he served in the army as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Spartanburg to work for Balckman-Uhler Chemical Company. He later founded Palmetto Knitting Inc. and, subsequently, started Alko America Industrustrial Corp. selling lubricants to manufacturing plants. In 1994, Alcoa awarded his company a Certificate of Achievement for the elimination of chemical solvents that were environmentally unhealthy. He was still actively running the company when he died.

Over the years, Lynn and Sandra enjoyed traveling and visited much of Europe and the United States, as well as Canada, Australia and Russia. He had a life-long passion for learning and education and enjoyed thoughtful conversations with his many friends and acquaintances. Lynn was a member of the Crustbreakers Men’s Club for 29 years and corresponded frequently with authors whom he admired.

Lynn was a member of First Presbyterian Church for 70 years. He served as an Elder, Deacon, President of the Men’s Bible Class and Coach for youth basketball. His community activities included United Way, YMCA, Mountain View Nursing Home and Mobile Meals.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow at the Piedmont Club. A private burial will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. 

Memorials may be made to: Samaritan’s Purse P.O. Box 3000. Boone, N. C. 28607 or First Presbyterian Church 393 E. Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29302.