Gerald Heath Parker

AIKEN, SC - Gerald H. Parker, 88, died on February 8, 2025 in Aiken, SC.

Jerry was born on February 27, 1936 to Fleta and Charles Parker in Salisbury, NC. In 1954, he graduated from Boyden High School.

Mr. Parker held degrees in nuclear and mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. He spent his professional career in the aerospace and defense industry. During the early years of the space age, he was involved in satellite orbital analysis and rocket testing at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico while serving in the US Air Force. After leaving military duty, he was a member of the North American Aviation engineering team that developed the world’s first nuclear reactor for space, launched and operated in earth orbit in 1965. 

Mr. Parker joined Westinghouse Electric in 1966 to help develop advanced power systems for deep space missions. He held positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, project management and marketing at Westinghouse in Pittsburgh for more than 20 years. In 1989, he joined the Westinghouse staff at the Savannah River Site and served in several senior technical assignments until his retirement.

Mr. Parker was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Nuclear Society, and the International Association for Hydrogen Energy. He authored more than 25 engineering publications on advanced energy systems and presented numerous technical papers at national and international symposia.

A member of St. John’s Methodist Church, Aiken, SC, he served on boards of trustees and administrative boards of United Methodist churches in California and Pennsylvania. He also had been active in the YMCA of Pittsburgh and Toastmasters International.

He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the Pi Tau Sigma Engineering Honor Society, and the American Legion. As a student, he was a recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Science Award and the American Legion School Award.

In 1958, he and Linda Smith, of Asheville, NC, were married there. 

Mr. Parker is survived by his wife of 66 years, Linda; four sons, Stuart Parker (Elizabeth) of Gettysburg, PA; Brian Parker (Teena), also of Gettysburg, PA; Gregory Parker of Lancaster, PA; Timothy Parker of Savannah, GA and four grandchildren and one great grandson.

Years after retirement were spent in Aiken, SC and at Trinity on Laurens, where he was given excellent care.

Memorials may be sent to Habitat for Humanity, Aiken County Habitat for Humanity

P.O Box 3323 Aiken, SC 29802 or to Saint John’s Methodist Church, Care of Nancy Fairgrieve, P.O. Box 809, Aiken, SC 29802. Aiken, SC.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801