Willard Parker; Stage, Film Actor Was in ‘Texas Rangers’ Series

Willard Parker, 84, an actor popular in second leading roles in theater, motion pictures and television. Parker is probably best remembered as Jace Pearson in the late-1950s television series “Tales of the Texas Rangers.” The series was based on actual cases of the historic law enforcement agency, and followed a radio series of the same title starring Joel McCrea in the role of Ranger Pearson. Parker began his career on the New York stage and then came to Los Angeles to make motion pictures. He had key roles in more than 20 features, among them “What a Woman,” “Sangaree” and “Kiss Me Kate.” On Dec. 4 in Rancho Mirage, Calif., of heart failure.