William Parker

William Herbert Parker, age 81 of Trussville, Alabama, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 26. Herbert was born on June 19, 1931 to George and Inez Parker, the eldest of four children. Herbert attended Shades Cahaba High School where he played on the football team. Herbert was an exceptional football player, and he developed a lifelong love for the sport. He often enjoyed watching Alabama football games with his eldest daughter Debbie, and they spent many happy Saturdays cheering for their favorite team. Herbert's father, George Parker was a Baptist minister, and Herbert followed in his footsteps and became an ordained minister on June 2, 1974. He was the pastor of Pineview Baptist Church in Irondale from 1974 through 2003. Herbert will be greatly missed, but his memory and legacy will live on in the work he did for the Lord and the example he set for others in the way he lived his life. He was truly a great man of God and his family and friends take comfort in the fact that he is now rejoicing with his Heavenly Father. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4, King James Version). Services will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday at Jefferson Memorial Garden Chapel with Dr. Bill Evans officiating. Visitation will be from 1-2 pm at the funeral home with burial following at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents George and Inez and two sisters. Herbert is survived by his loving wife, Betty June. They were married for 64 years, and theirs was a love and romance that spanned the ages. Betty was by his side when he passed away. Herbert and Betty were blessed with two daughters, Deborah Mikell, and Christie Brown (Keith). Debbie and Christie were both very close to their father, and they are greatly saddened by his passing. Herbert and Betty were also blessed with two daughters of the heart, Alice Gene Marcum (Ed), and Ashton Higginbotham (Robbie). Herbert is survived by his sister Margie Evans (Charles). Herbert is also survived by two grandchildren, Traci Wells (Jason), and Michael Brown (Kandace), as well as two great grandchildren, Lila Brown, and William Brown. Herbert leaves behind a legacy of Christian faith and love that has most certainly changed the lives of countless people: his family, friends, and community. His life was a testament to his love and belief in The Lord Jesus Christ.

"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9, King James Version). Although we mourn his passing from this earth, we rejoice in the fact that this faithful servant of God has gone on to his true and everlasting reward, and that we will see him again one day and will never be separated again.