Mr. Mack A. "Buddy" Parker

Mr. Mack A. “Buddy” Parker, age 88, of Murray, Kentucky passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Murray – Calloway County Hospital.

He was born on September 21, 1938, in Pahokee, Florida. He was known as the owner of Mr. Gatti’s Pizza in Murray, Paducah, and Draffenville, Kentucky. Buddy graduated Murray State University in 1960, where he played quarterback on the football team and was an avid supporter of Murray State Athletics throughout his life. He also loved to play golf. His big heart touched so many through the years and always helped without hesitation. He always made people laugh with his wit and humor. There will never be another BP #1.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe “Dodo” Parker and Lavinia Groover Parker; his first wife, Deanna Parker; one brother, Fredrick Parker; as well as one grandson, Matthew H. Parker.

Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Parker of Murray, Kentucky; one son, Dr. Shawn Parker and wife Danna of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; one daughter, Shannon Hunter of Gilbertsville, Kentucky; one step son, Dr. Nathan McDaniels and wife Monica of St. Johns, Florida; one step daughter, Stephanie Vonnahme and husband Greg of Nashville, Tennessee; one brother, Joe Parker of DeLand, Florida; grandchildren, Lindsay Parker of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Lily Parker (Brody) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tyler Hunter (Samantha) of Frankfort, Kentucky, Dean Hunter (Anniston) of Nashville, Tennessee, Carson McDaniels and Owen McDaniels both of St. Johns, Florida; as well as one great grandson, Nolan Hunter of Frankfort, Kentucky.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with John Dale officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Deanna Hughes Parker Memorial Scholarship, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071, checks payable to MSU Foundation or to the Matthew Hughes Parker Memorial Scholarship, 265 Notre Dame Drive, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701.

Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com