Harold William Parker, Sr.

Harold William Parker, Sr. passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 96 years of age.  Harold was born August 19, 1925 in Jefferson, GA to Willie and Mae Towe Parker, the eldest of 4 children.  He met Alta Mae Vail in Mississippi while waiting on orders for a transfer and three days later they were married on October 9, 1947.  Mr. Parker and his wife were married for 58 years and had 4 children.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Alta, infant son, Robert, youngest son, Harold “Bo” Jr., infant great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Parker, Son-in-law, Charles Salmons and brothers C.W. Parker and Junior Parker.

Mr. Parker is survived by his children, Mary Ann Parker-Salmons, Susan Parker (Harry Cook), Carl Parker, grandchildren, Wendy (Bill) Turner and Eric (Lindsay) Parker, great-grandchildren Brice Turner, Kenley Turner, Adalyn Parker, and Olivia Parker, his brother, Roy Parker from Barnesville, GA, and brother-in-law, Victor (Sheri) Vail from Lewiston, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Parker had many adventures to tell about and loved to share his Navy stories from which he retired after 20 years as an aircraft mechanic with a brief stint as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer and in Target Drone School.  He was stationed in Newfoundland, Chula Vista, California, Patuxent River, Maryland, Virginia Beach, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida and served on the U.S.S. Boxer.  After retiring from the Navy, he worked at Carter’s, Percal, and the Georgia Diagnostic Prison as a boilermaker.

During retirement, Mr. Parker enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, tending to his cows, and spending time with his family.  Mr. Parker was an avid outdoorsman and was proud that he had hunted every year up until this past year when his health declined.  He had many write ups in the paper for accomplishments such as growing the largest sweet potato and shooting 3 turkeys with one shot. 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Monroe Hills Memorial Gardens.  Pastor Brian Moore will officiate.  The family will greet friends following the service at the graveside.  There will not be a formal visitation due to COVID-19.  Masks and social distancing are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.