William E. Parker

He was born June 7, 1932, in West Blocton, Ala., the son of Ben and Lelar Williams Parker Sr., residing in the area since 2012, coming from Fort Wayne, Ind.

Mr. Parker was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 11 years as a truck driver, before retiring in 2001. He also worked for White Motors Trucking Co. in Cleveland as a spray painter from 1955 to 1983.

He was a charter member and founder of Greater Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Cleveland, and was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, where he served as a deacon in both churches. He also attended Greater Apostolic Faith Church and enjoyed Bible study and tinkering with cars.

Mr. Parker was a 1950 graduate of Bibb County Training School, attended Moody Bible College and Cleveland Community College in security training.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army as a corporal during the Korean Conflict, from Oct. 3, 1950 to Oct. 3, 1953, receiving the Sharp Shooter medal.

He married Lillye Mae Sanders Parker July 28, 1954.

Besides his wife of Cortland, he leaves to mourn two sons, Eric Lance Parker of Akron and Durand (Linda) Parker of Macedonia; one daughter, Mrs. Deborah Charia (District Elder Phillip) Shealey of Warren; one daughter-in-law, Ms. Beverly Marcus Parker of Fort Wayne; one brother, Rufus Alfonso Parker of West Blocton, Ala.; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dravet Edward Parker; and one brother, Ben Parker Jr.

Family will receive friends at 3394 Ivy Hill Circle, Unit F, Cortland 44410. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the Greater Apostolic Faith Church, where calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Pineview Memorial Park Cemetery.

Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home.

(special notice)