Mr. Wendell L. Parker, 78, of Oxford, passed away Monday, July 1, 2019. He was born in Atlanta on Nov. 16, 1940 to Willie H. and Totsie Parker who have preceded him in death. Mr. Parker moved with his family to Covington in 1943 and attended Newton County High School. He was a member and elder of Gum Creek Presbyterian Church where he took an active role in the construction of the fellowship hall in 1990. A well known and respected member of the construction and remodeling field in Covington, Mr. Parker, took great pride in the training that he received while working for the renowned builder Wales Ellis. He looked at every job as a challenge and truly enjoyed solving the problems with functional solutions that the historic homes can offer. Along with his many years in the construction field, he was also employed early in his career at J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home. A great conversationalist, Mr. Parker could bring to life the stories of his life and hold with great anticipation the attention of those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents and also his brother Willie H. Parker, Jr, his sisters Helen Parker, and Nita Webb.
Mr. Parker is survived by his wife Jane R. Parker, of Oxford, his son Lee Parker and Susan, of Covington, his grandchildren Matthew Parker and Sara, Kaine Parker and Zack Parker his great-grandchildren Abigail, Emily, and Allison his siblings Jeanne Szabo, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jim Parker and Loretta, of Covington, Doug Parker and Linda, of Covington, and Peggy Underwood and Wayne, of Oxford, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other family and close friends.
Graveside services for Mr. Parker was held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 5 at New Covington Cemetery. The family received friends at J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Thornwell Home for Children, 302 South Broad St., Clinton, South Carolina, 29325.
J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, 2157 East St., SE, Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of the arrangements. A guestbook may be signed online www.harwellfuneralhome.com.
