Dave Parker credits his wife, Kellye Parker, as his biggest support system and pillar of strength.
The couple have been married for nearly four decades and are still going strong.
Dave Parker is a former professional baseball player who had a successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB).
During his MLB career, which spanned from 1973 to 1991, the right fielder played for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays.
He was a two-time World Series champion, winning with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979 and the Oakland Athletics in 1989.
The Mississippi-born athlete was a seven-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a three-time Silver Slugger Award.
Furthermore, he has been inducted into the Pirates and Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.
Dave Parker Wife, Kellye Parker
The 1985 NL RBI leader Dave Parker has been happily married to Kellye Crockett for over 40 years.
Parker and Crockett exchanged their wedding vows to each other on February 14, 1984.
He affectionately refers to Kellye as “my rock,” and she played a significant role in helping him overcome his struggles with cocaine use.
Together, they are the proud parents of three children.
Speaking of Kellye Parker, she pursued her education at the University of Cincinnati. She also dedicated her time to working at Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship.
Furthermore, Kellye and Dave bought Popeye’s fried chicken franchise in Cincinnati. Before Kellye, Dave Parker was previously married to a woman named Stella Miller Parker.
Street Renamed In His Honor
The former baseball player, famously known as “The Cobra,” has received a significant honor in the very neighborhood where he spent his formative years.
His dreams of playing on the field began as a young child in the South Cumminsville neighborhood, situated near Borden and Elmore streets.
Today, his accomplishments are being commemorated with a street bearing his name.
“It’s full circle. He’s been so excited since he heard about it. He’s always worked hard, and it’s good that he gets recognized by his hometown, his neighborhood,” said Dave’s wife, Kellye Parker.
Moreover, Dave has been very public about his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.
His diagnosis in 2013 has impacted his speech and motor skills, but it hasn’t dampened his affection for the people and the city he still considers his home.
Dave and Kellye have established the Dave Parker39 Foundation with a mission to educate the public about Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to that, they’ve successfully raised substantial funds to enhance the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s.
