A proud Irishman, Charles Eugene Parker, was born in 1925 and passed away Aug. 17. Born in Atlanta and raised in Sandersville, he was the son of Charles Eugene and Annie Bird Parker. While attending Georgia Military College, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and serviced in the Pacific during World War II. Mr. Parker graduated from the University of Georgia and re-enlisted in the Marines to serve in Korea, ultimately making Captain. He married Ann Henderson in 1951. His family, friends, home, Duke and many beloved dogs, the Georgia Bulldogs, the Marine Corps and jazz were his passions. He was loved for his quick wit and sense of humor, and he shall be greatly missed.

Surviving are wife of 57 years Ann; children Charles Michael and his two children Lauren P. Fields and Charles Ryan Parker; Katheleen and Ernest E. Smith and her children Suzanne Marie Polk and her daughter Mary Alice Clark, Luther Steven Polk IV and Charles Shannon Polk; Susan and Harold A. Bowman and their children Sarah P. Bowman, Matthew P. Bowman and Charles A. Bowman.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 20, in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Covington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd Building Fund.