James Morris Parker, 89, of Dermott, Arkansas, passed away Friday, May 8, 2015, in Dermott. He was born in Monticello, Arkansas, on August 25, 1925, to the late William and Tommie Manees Parker. Morris was owner and operator of Parker Lumber Company. He was a volunteer fire fighter for the Dermott Fire Department for 68 years, having served as Fire Chief for 46 years. Morris was a member of VFW Post 15004 and a former City Council Member. He served in the United States Navy in Iwo Jima and was active in the United States Navy Veterans Reunions – Grow Pac 38. Morris was an avid fisherman, hunter, and gardener. He loved to camp and go to his grandchildren’s sporting events. He also enjoyed coaching the American Legion Baseball teams for several years. He was a member of Dermott Baptist Church where he served on many committees.
Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Billy Parker, and his sister, Margaret Parker. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Geraldine Owens Parker; daughters, Suzanne Lilley of Greenbrier, AR, and Elaine Tipton and her husband, David, of Dermott, AR; grandchildren, Jaci Barden, Reggie Hidalgo, Jonathan Engelkes, Park Tipton, and Rebecca Greenwood, 11 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Sunday, May 10, 2015, at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee, AR. Funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Monday, May 11, 2015, at Dermott Baptist Church in Dermott, AR with Dr. Tommy Cunningham, Rev. Bart Bynum, and Rev. Bob Franklin officiating. Burial will follow at Dermott Cemetery in Dermott, AR. Memorials may be made to the Dermott Fire Department, Attn: James Fowler, P.O. Box 371, Dermott, AR 71638 or Dermott Baptist Church, 401 S. Main Street, Dermott, AR 71638.

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