“Got myself a better job and the Infiniti is fixed.  It’s a good day.”

Parker Killian Moore, 23, posted this — his last Facebook post — on January 21, 2018, just four hours before he was shot and killed during an armed robbery at his place of work.

He wasn’t supposed to work that evening, but a co-worker became ill and asked him to work the last couple of hours of his shift. Being the great guy he was and to make a few extra dollars… Parker did not hesitate and said ‘absolutely’.  As he be-bopped out the door, he told his Mom, ‘I won’t be gone long’.

He never came home.

Parker was a gentle soul with a larger than life personality.  He had an infectious smile and a zest for life that was unmatched.   He loved LIFE – he spread joy and love wherever he went. He loved giving and receiving hugs.  He loved his family, animals, music, friends, co-workers, customers, history, photography, soccer, hiking and skateboarding.  His co-workers loved to work with him because he made their workday fun.  His customers adored him and would bring him gifts.  Many would check his schedule so they could make sure they came to the restaurant on days he worked.

Parker never lost sight of the quote by Barbara Bush – ‘the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people-your family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers you meet along the way.’  Parker touched more lives in his 23 years than most could if they lived to be 100.  ‘He never met a stranger and could have a conversation with anyone and make them feel like the most interesting and intriguing person he had ever met.  He was truly remarkable.’ (Martin Kohnen, owner of Barberitos).

The comments shared on social media, to his family and with the news media are endless.  Per his family, friends, co-workers and customers and ‘strangers he met along the way:

‘You truly did light up the room anywhere you went.’

 ‘He loved his Mom more than anything.’

‘He is one of the nicest people I have ever encountered.’

‘He was a super nice young man, always hustling.  You could tell by his demeanor he was a kind and caring young man.’

 ‘You definitely stood out in a crowd.’  

‘You are truly one of a kind, with the purest, most gentle heart.’

‘His fire burned brighter than the rest.’

‘To know you was to love you.

’He has ‘IT’

Parker was born in Greenville, South Carolina on March 12, 1994.  He lived in Prosperity, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida.  At the age of 10 (2004) he moved with his family to Dacula, Georgia (40 miles east of Atlanta).  He grew up in Dacula (13 years). When he was 23, he moved to Warner Robins and lived with his Mom, Step Dad and brother.

In his youth, he participated on a swim team, soccer teams, Boy Scouts and played the violin in his school orchestra.  As a young adult, he played on a soccer team, loved hiking and camping in the North Georgia Mountains and Appalachian Trail and enjoyed skateboarding.  He LOVED music of all genres.

Parker’s first job, at 17, was at Moe’s, Mall of Georgia.  His vehicle at times was unreliable so when he couldn’t hitch a ride, he would walk – 7 miles one way.  He did this on numerous occasions.   He then worked at Barberitos in Buford, Georgia.  He left Barberitos to work at Unique Refinishers.  He traveled throughout the US – working in hotels and private residences for the nation’s leader of bathtub and tile repair, refinishing, and reglazing.   In 2017 when he moved to Warner Robins, he was again employed by Barberitos, Warner Robins. (See attached – Barberitos Employee of the Month Award established in Parker’s memory)

He attended Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, Georgia and planned to join the US Air Force to follow in the military tradition of his grandfather (Retired, US Air Force), his uncle (USMC) and his great grandfather (US Army) who was injured during the Normandy Invasion, WWII.

Our family wants to keep Parker’s light shining brightly – by helping others reach their goals and dreams.  A gofundme was started shortly after Parker’s death and approximately $20,000 has been donated to The Parker Killian Moore Charity/Scholarship Fund, established by Parker’s Mom/Stepdad-Leah and Chris Maas, maternal Grandmother-Gail Killian Bensten, Uncle-William Heaton, and Aunt-Dana Heaton.

Our hopes are that when his name, Parker Killian Moore, is ‘googled’ he will be remembered for the amazingly unique person he was and not the way he died.  We want his light to forever shine brightly.