William (Bill) Parker II, age 74, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 6, 2025. Born in 1951 in San Diego, California, Bill graduated with the Class of 1969 from Crawford High School. In his youth, Bill embraced the Southern California lifestyle – diving with friends in La Jolla Cove, exploring the desert on ATVs, and zipping around town in his latest “new-to-him” car.

 

Bill dedicated nearly 30 years to the grocery industry in Southern California, a field he was deeply passionate about. He began his career stocking shelves at his uncle’s neighborhood store in North Park and rose through the ranks to management roles at Food Basket and Lucky Stores. His true calling lay in customer service, leadership, and mentorship – areas in which he made a lasting impact. He took great pride in uplifting those around him and celebrating their achievements.

 

Mid-career, Bill faced a life-altering diagnosis of a brain tumor, which led to an early medical retirement. Yet, he never allowed this setback to define him. He remained closely connected to former colleagues and found joy in traveling to remote campsites with his beloved wife Lisa at the wheel.

 

Bill cherished time spent with Lisa and their treasured Shiba Inus – Dakota, Kobe, and Gabby. In 2018, they relocated to Colorado to be closer to family.

 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia Elizabeth Parker (née Wood); his father, William George Parker I; his uncles John David Parker and Edward Clarke Parker; and his nephew Shawn Fszol.

 

Bill is survived by his wife Lisa; sons, Matt (Kristi), Wes (Molly), and Scott (Zahra) from his previous marriage to Nancy Parker (née Griswold); his sisters Cheryl and Karen Sue (Juan); his grandchildren, Addison, Hudson, Cora, Mason, Ryan and  Mickey; and his nephews and nieces, Curtis (Katie), Amanda (Javier), Michele (Joel), and Wendy along with many great-neices and great nephews.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation at scottcares.org. Thank you