Deacon James Edward (Bo) Parker Sr., 92, of 75 Azalea Street, Barnwell, passed away on April 22, 2017 at UPDL Pruitt Health Nursing Home.
Funeral service will be held April 27, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Brown Chapel Baptist Church on Hwy. 70 in Barnwell. Interment will follow at Brown Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Barnwell.
He was born on May 4, 1924 to the late O. C. Parker and Essie M. Odom.
Bo was a lifelong and faithful member of Brown Chapel Baptist Church. He was a member, trustee and at last an ordained deacon. He served for many years as the superintendent of the Sunday school department and was a member of the senior choir.
Bo received his education through the public school system of Barnwell County. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and member of the American Legion. After his Navy stint, Bo’s lifelong occupation was a presser and delivery man for various dry cleaning services throughout Barnwell County.
As a church member: To the end, Bo loved Brown Chapel. Even as the dementia ravaged his body and his memory dimmed causing him to forget people, places and things, he could still remember the words to the hymns, songs, and how to find and read scriptures. He loved a good sermon.
As a friend: Bo never met a stranger. He knew people and loved people. He was the type of person automatically given respect by all; he was addressed as Mr. Bo Parker by young and old. He had an infectious laugh and a wit compared to none else. He was never without a car and for that reason many people used him as their personal taxi service.
Preceding him in death was his son, James E. Parker Jr.; his siblings: sister, Sarah Mae Hammonds, and brothers, Amos Henry Odom and Mckinley Odom Jr.
He leaves to mourn his loss: daughters, Miss Yvonne Crawford (his faithful and loving caretaker), Mrs. Janice (Fred) Neal, Mrs. Freddie Mae Amaker and Mrs. Rose James; his brother, Mr. William Allen Odom of Jacksonville, Fla.; his sisters, Mrs. Bertha (Henry) Simmons of Allendale, Mrs. Essie Kemp, and Miss Mary Hammonds of Barnwell; brother-in-law, Ralph (Brenda) Mack; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Spells and Mrs. Evelyn Mack; 24 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and loving friends.
Informal visitation will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 6–8 p.m. at the Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home Chapel.
Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.