James Ray "Sonny" Parker, age 82, of Harrison, passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Harrison. The son of Virgil and Naomi (Miller) Parker was born on February 1, 1939, in Harrison. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathy Parker; his daughter and son-in-law Tracy and Perry Loucks; his son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Carla Parker; his grandchildren, Jessica Deterts, Rick Jean Blanc, Brylie Parker, and Jackson Parker; his sister Virginia Walker; his close cousin AJ Miller; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law Mildred Ruth and Junior Edwards.

Sonny loved horses and rodeo. He was instrumental in bringing the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo to Harrison in 1977. Harry Vold from Vold Rodeo Company provided the livestock in the early years. Vold was later followed by Dell Hall of Rafter H Rodeo. The first announcer was National Finals Rodeo announcer Clem McSpadden. Sonny was selected to be the Grand Marshal of the PRCA Rodeo Parade on its 30th Anniversary in 2007.

Sonny was an entrepreneur. He was always looking for a challenge and never settled for average. In 1978 he founded Parker Enterprises. A small company he ran out of his basement for years, manufacturing horse equipment. Parker Enterprises soon outgrew the basement as the demands grew throughout the United States and overseas for Sonny's quality products. He manufactured all forms of horse equipment for every level of rider. He never knew a stranger and manufactured products from the beginner to World Champion. He even manufactured horse equipment for several celebrities, including George Strait. Parker Enterprises was in business for just shy of 40 years, closing the doors in 2017.

He loved to watch rodeo no matter what event, but was really partial to Calf Roping and Steer Wrestling. In his last few years, he watched the Cowboy Channel nonstop. When he ran out of rodeos to watch he would watch The Lone Ranger, The Roy Rogers Show, and always a John Wayne movie.

He was a legend and left a legacy!

Visitation is scheduled for 1:00pm, Thursday, November 11, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church in Harrison. Funeral service will follow visitation at 2:00pm.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Harrison and the Harrison Round-up Club.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com .