Bernie Otis Parker
76, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Columbia for Bernie Otis Parker, 76, of Columbia, who died on Saturday, Aug. 18 in Columbia. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Dr. J. Roy McComb, Dr. Bryant Barnes and Bro. Randy Gardner officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22 at Hathorn Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of the services on Thursday, Aug. 23 at First Baptist Church of Columbia.
Born in Perry County, he served in church ministry for 54 years. During that span, he served five different churches in Mississippi and Alabama, including 29 years at First Baptist Church of Columbia. He had a deep heart for missions. Often referred to as a “Renaissance Man” and jokester, he had many hobbies and accomplishments. He loved canoeing, camping and wood-working. He was a brass smith, a private pilot, a recording artist and an antique car enthusiast.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Parker; mother, Irene Few; stepfather, Frank Few, and two brothers, Ernest "Bud" Parker and Frank Few.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Marilyn Parker of Columbia; daughter, Lori Shuck (Brad) of Sumrall; son, Bryan Otis Parker (Leigh Anne) of Memphis; one brother, Patrick Few of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; one sister, Donna Thompson of Foxworth; five grandchildren, Michael Shuck (Haley) and Jarrod Shuck, both of Sumrall, and Lailei Parker, Asa Parker and Corban Parker, all of Memphis.
Pallbearers were Michael Shuck, Jarrod Shuck, Asa Parker, Corban Parker, Vincent Grubb, Jayme Few, Ethan Few and Donovan McComb.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made towards the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church of Columbia.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.
Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements.
