D.C. Parker, a longtime jeweler and pillar of the Vicksburg business and charitable community, died early Friday morning. He was 59.

The longtime local jeweler was pronounced dead at 10:20 a.m. of heart failure due to a blood clot, Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey said.

Parker operated D.C. Parker Jewelers on Pemberton Square Boulevard since 1997 after working at Michael’s Jewelers on Washington Street for more than 20 years. Commercials in print, on radio and television featuring local radio personality Ron Anderson made the local jewelry store one of the area’s most recognizable businesses.

“He was a wonderful boss,” store general manager Ginger Richards said Friday afternoon, as the business was closed to customers. It was expected to reopen today.

“He loved his whole staff. We were like a family and he was like a father to me,” Richards said.

Born Dyas Carroll Parker, he worked for Bush’s Jewelry on Washington Street shortly after his graduation from H.V. Cooper High School in 1967. He served in the U.S. Navy with the Naval Support Activity at Da Nang, in central Vietnam. His multiple decorations included a Bronze Star, awarded for heroic or meritorious service or achievement.

His service on the advisory board of the local Salvation Army will be missed, Capt. Patrick Lyons said.

“He was a huge part of us,” Lyons said. “He was successful, but he wasn’t proud. He always gave his time to others.”

Family members described him as a diligent worker and a big supporter of local youth sports. Parker coached youth baseball teams for more than 20 years.

“He believed in hard work,” said middle son Mike Parker. “He really loved life and he really loved people.”

“He was just a happy-go-lucky, jolly guy,” said youngest son, Bubba. “He was strong in his beliefs in that you work hard for what you get.”

Oldest son, Shane, a Warren County sheriff’s deputy, recalled a salesmanship borne of his gentle nature.

“He had customers from Florida, Georgia, Texas, all over the United States that came here just to buy jewelry from him,” he said. “You’d walk in just to talk and leave with a piece of jewelry in your hand.”

Riles Funeral Home has charge of arrangements, which were incomplete at press time.

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Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com.