STATESBORO, Ga. -- “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” -- Ecclesiastes 3:1
Mr. Talmadge Parker was born on September 4, 1940, to the late Clarence “Pete” Parker and the late Pauline Williams Parker in Statesboro, Georgia.
At an early age, he joined St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church and later rededicated his life to Christ, serving as a devoted worshipper from his favorite pew.
At an early age, he developed a love for being outdoors. One day while playing outside, Talmadge was challenged to a dare that accidentally amputated his right arm. Despite this occurrence, he never let his affliction stop him from achieving his goals. It was the foundation for the man that many respected and admired: strong, smart and resourceful.
Talmadge attended and graduated from William James High School with the class of 1961. As a student, he was a member of 4-H and NFA, which fostered his love for farming. Talmadge took his talents of land cultivation to work as one of the best farmers throughout Bulloch County and Jenkins County.
Mr. Parker married his life partner, Louise Ward, in 1966, and they began building their family in the Clito area, where he became a pillar of the community.
He worked tirelessly, providing for his family and serving others.
Throughout the neighborhood, Talmadge was known as the community barber, gardener and mechanic. Even after retiring, he still farmed land around his home and gifted his produce to family and friends. He also continued to actively work outdoors: tinkering with old cars, mowing the lawn and plowing fields.
Talmadge highly anticipated the baseball season, where he cheered on the Atlanta Braves from his living room.
Though he loved all of his grandchildren, Talmadge assisted in the raising and spoiling of his identical twin great-grandsons, Cace and Cai, who he affectionately called, “His Boys!”
On Monday, August 26, 2024, Talmadge Parker entered into rest at the Emory University Hospital, Midtown.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Brenda Alston and Patricia Parker; and brothers, Ayloise Parker, Willie Parker, James Parker, Elijah Parker and Sylvester Levelle.
Mr. Parker’s legacy will be carried on by his devoted wife of 58 years, Louise Ward Parker; his three children: daughter, Tichina Renae Parker; and sons, Talmadge Dwayne (Bonnette) Parker and Leonardo Shanta (Shawn) Parker; his five grandchildren, O’Ron Hodge, Roylice Hills, Talmeshia Parker, Cashonti Osborn and Juhwan (Jenifer) Osborn; 16 great-grandchildren, Elijah Mincey, Isaiah Mincey, O’Ron Hodge Jr., Montel Hodge, Keonie Mincey, Desiree Hodge, O’Myrah Hodge, Christian Hills, Randy Hills Jr., Jayden Osborn, Cace Osborn, Cai Osborn, Genesis Hodge, Camdyn Osborn, C’Ryia Hicks and Jasir Hicks; and one great-great-grandson, I’zeek Mincey. He is also survived by his loving sister, Ollie Parker; and brothers, Richard Parker and Gilbert (Frances) Parker. He has nieces and nephews who love him like a father, many cousins who are just like his sisters and brothers and a host of relatives and friends who love him dearly.
The Parker family will receive friends on Friday evening, September 6, 2024, from the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ben Samuel Hill Memorial Chapel of Hill's Mortuary, Inc.
The funeral service for Mr. Talmadge Parker will be held at noon Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Saint Mary's Missionary Baptist Church with the pastor, the Rev. Timotheus Mincey, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Final rites have been entrusted to Hill's Mortuary, Inc.
Statesboro Herald, September 4, 2024
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