The funeral services for the late Mr. Perry Parker, who departed this life on Thursday, July 23, 2026, will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the Jones Chapel AME Church in Sylvester, Georgia. Reverend Tommy Curry, Pastor, will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Perry Parker, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully in his home in Sumner, GA on July 23, 2026 at the golden age of 87.

Mr. Parker was born June 16, 1939, to Jahue and Eula Mae Nether Parker, who both have preceded him in death. He was the youngest and last surviving of four siblings who preceded him in death: Grady (Hattie) Parker, Frances Inez (Cecil) Frederick, and Ollie (Mollie) Parker.

His father Jahue instilled the “work ethic” which became a legacy passed throughout the family. He worked the family farm, drove a school bus, and opened his own business in 1969. Throughout the years, Mr. Parker has owned several businesses, with The Casino Lounge and Parker’s Chicken Box being his first business, tapping into both his passion and business savvy. His desire was to feed his community with delicious food when they didn’t have time to cook, to provide a place to gather after a hard week of work and to bring people together.

All of his children Larry, Katrina, Joy, and Pamethia have worked in the restaurant where he instilled the values of hard work and integrity in them. He always said, “If you treat people with kindness, then you’ve done your job”. Parker’s Barbeque was well known throughout southeast Georgia and all over the country. He employed countless people throughout the years, as well as supporting families in whatever form they may have needed.

Mr. Parker believed that a business cannot flourish without the people; not merely engaging with his neighbors and community, but the city’s businessmen, and City Council. His objective was not only service his community but to truly serve and be a pillar in and of it.

All of his children joked that each of them was his favorite. Mr. Parker’s greatest pride and his deepest joy was his family. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate those he loved. Whether attending, family outings, holiday gatherings, or simply sharing a meal together, he was fully present. He understood that the greatest investment a person could make was in the people they love.

He is survived by his children, Larry (Diane) Parker, Katrina Parker, Joy Crichton Ross, Pamethia (William) Graham; his grandchildren, Larae Parker, Brett Tumblin, Demetrius Snead, Perry Austin, Kevin Austin, Chad Ross, Jeremy Graham, Justin Graham; his sister-in-law Hattie Mae Parker; and a host of other family and friends.