James William Parker

Obituary For James William Parker

Mr. James Parker, 92, of Columbus, GA passed Monday, December 2, 2019in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. EST, Friday, December 6, 2019 in the C.T. Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Noble Williams, officiating. Interment will follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, December 6, 2019 from 9-11 am EST according to Taylor Funeral Home, Inc.

James Parker was born August 28, 1927 in Russell County, Alabama. His parents were the late Lewis Parker and the late Susie Taylor Parker. He was educated in the Phenix City Public School System and in the Laboratory High School of Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. Known for his scholarship and athleticism, he was the first African American to receive an athletic scholarship to college in Phenix City. He played football and basketball. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Alabama State University where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. James Parker served in the U.S. Army as a medic. At an early age, he learned the art of construction (Brick Masonry) from his father. James was known for his ability and willingness to fix almost anything around a house. He chose this field of work as his profession throughout most of his life. James Parker built the first split-level home in the Phenix City/Columbus area for his parents and siblings. The home included six bedrooms! He retired as a Contract Manager for the Department of Defense/Fort Benning, Georgia.

He had an in-depth knowledge of the Bible. He was not shy in sharing his faith and prayers for those in need. James Parker was a deacon at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church in Phenix City. James Parker was known for his ingenuity, quick wit, and a deep abiding love for his family and friends. In his spare time, he loved to read and look at numerous sports on TV.

Survivors include his wife of over 37 years, Madie Parker; sons: James Parker, Dwayne Parker, and Lawrence (Lisa) Parker; one daughter, Jessica Coleman; stepdaughter: Sabrina (Michael) Harper; stepson: William Morris; sister, Miriam Henry; sister-in-law, Mary Parker; grandchildren: Cierra Parker, Porschia (Chris) Parker-Griffin, James Parker, Deidra Parker, Dwayne Parker, Michael Parker, Amber Coleman-Mortley, Ajia Coleman Durham, Stephen Coleman, Alexandria Coleman, Xavier Parker, Jordan Parker, Johanna (Rhen) Coley, Chloe Harper, Gabriel (Corshonta) Harper, and Matthew Harper; greatgrandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.