Michael Austin Parker went home to God on May 2, 2023. He was 75 years old. He was born in Berkley, CA and spent the last 40+ years raising his family in San Leandro, CA.
He was married to the love of his life Carol for 49 beautiful years; together for 58. Michael is survived by his wife Carol, children Steven, Cherie, and Michael. Granddaughters Brianna and Adalyn, grandsons, Austin, Michael, Isaiah, and Gabriel, and his sister Karen. Mike also has many nieces as well as a huge extended family and too many dear friends to count. He rejoins his beloved brother Richard, who preceded him in death.
Mike had a talent and love for baseball that will leave him unforgettable to the ones that knew him. He grew up playing for multiple teams often in the same day. After graduating from Oakland High he signed professionally with the Detroit Tigers in 1969. His only dilemma was that he had already fallen in love with Carol and wanted to start a family of his own. He transitioned his playing career to Softball where he was most proud of his run as the reigning longball champion on Channel 7. He was an amazing father to his children and an even more amazing Papa to his grandchildren.
In 1988, he opened a sports card shop in Washington Manor where he grew his extended family and clientele for over 35 years. His success was due to his honesty and work ethic, often open seven days a week. He loved to make people laugh and cry and had a special knack for helping those in need. He always had advice for everyone. He had a huge heart and will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. He is gone from the world but will be remembered forever.
