KSBY News San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles - Local businessman and actor Fess Parker dies at 85

Local businessman and actor Fess Parker dies at 85

Associated Press

Posted: Mar 18, 2010 7:50 PM
Updated: Mar 18, 2010 7:59 PM

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (AP)

"Davy Crockett" and "Daniel Boone" star-turned-developer and vintner Fess Parker has died. He was 85.

Family spokeswoman Sao Anash says Parker died at 10 a.m. Thursday of natural causes at his Santa Ynez home near the Fess Parker Winery. His death comes on the 84th birthday of his wife of 50 years, Marcella.

Parker became every baby boomer's idol in the 1950s when he starred as frontiersman Davy Crockett.

Kids grabbed up Davy Crockett lunch boxes, toy Old Betsy rifles, buckskin shirts and trademark fur caps. The series theme song - "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" - became a hit with its line "Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee."

Parker played Daniel Boone in the late 60s television show.

He later became a developer along California's Central Coast and grew grapes for prize-winning wines.

Neutral + − !

Joe Curran at Mar 19th 2010 1:30 AM

I only met Mr. Parker twice and my lasting memory will be of what a nice guy he was. I never saw his films or TV programmes but I was overwhelmed by his kind and gentle nature, his good humour and ability to listen. We stood at political opposites and still we were able to laugh and find common ground. He was both very proud of his english wife and he was an incredible anglophile.
His passing is a sad day for the county and for everyone he touched with his warm smile and personality.

jolyon curran, santa barbara, ca.

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