Chester Lanier Parker, Jr., passed away Sept. 25, 2017. He was born in Newton County, Dec.22, 1948, to the late Mary Day and Chester Lanier Parker, Sr. Growing up in Covington, he was an active member of Lovejoy United Methodist Church and was top ten graduate of Newton County High School. He went on to graduate with honors from Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering. While at Tech, Chester entered the co-op program with the Georgia Power Company and remained there until his retirement in 2015. He held many positions with the Power Company during his 47 years, but enjoyed none more than leading teams into storm-ravaged areas around the country to restore power to millions of people. He mentored countless young engineers who have continued his legacy and passion for the job. In addition to his work with the Power Company, he was a member of a number of organizations, including Chairman of the UPC, President of the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, and was on the Board of Directors at South Fulton Hospital. Most recently he was a member of the Augusta Richmond County Exchange Club and the Georgia Power Ambassadors.
Chester enjoyed frequenting such eclectic culinary establishments as Henderson’s in Covington, Ruth’s in Augusta and Fresh Air BBQ, in Jackson; he was the epitome of a simple man with simple taste. What he enjoyed most, however, was spending time with his sons and wife. An afternoon watching the Master or a Braves, Falcons or Tech game with them was a perfect day to him. He was the kindest and most forgiving soul that you could ever know.
He is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Mary Margaret; son, Brent and wife, Brooke; son, Lanier and partner, Charlotte; brother, Glenn Parker and wife, Ginger; sister, Lynn Savage and husband, Terry; Godchildren, Ella and Waters Jordan; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service for Chester will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, 2 p.m., at Lovejoy United Methodist Church, 12835 Highway 36, in Covington. The family will receive friends at the church Saturday, one hour prior to the service, from 1 – 2 p.m.
