Harry Parker

Harry Eugene “Gene” Parker departed this life on December 4, 2019 at his home in Jackson. Gene was born November 17, 1929 in Jackson to F.N. and Lucille Parker and spent his early years living at Old Lock #1 on the Tombigbee River where his father was a lock tender. Later, Gene and his family moved to Parkertown, north of Jackson, where his parents operated Parker’s Store. Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and upon returning home, operated “Gene & Ellen’s” in Grove Hill for 27 years. He truly enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the community, while seeing and visiting with his customers and suppliers. He told his family many times that retiring was the worst thing he ever did!

Gene loved spending time with his family and friends and was a dedicated member of the Horeb Baptist Church in Whatley.

Gene is survived by his wife, Ellen S. Parker of Jackson; children, Myra Warren of Tuscaloosa, Mona (Martin) Lester of Fairhope, Marsha (Jack) Kimmitt of Orange Beach, Melinda (Mark) McLendon of Jackson, Terri (William) McConnell of Grove Hill, Jeremy Lankford of Jackson and Josh Lankford of Mobile; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and brother, Wayne (Faye) Parker of Spanish Fort.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Jackson with the Rev. Warren Shewmake officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. at Lathan Funeral Home in Jackson.

Pallbearers will be Tom McLendon, Blake McLendon, Paul Vogel, Trey McConnell, Jacob Lankford and Drew Larrimore.

Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Sigler, Robert Garrick, Charlie Knowles, John Lacey and Billy Hammond.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Horeb Baptist Church or a favorite charity.

Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhome.com.