Grady Riggins Parker Sr.

Montevallo

Grady Riggins Parker Sr. of Montevallo passed away on Jan. 26, 2014, at the age of 89.  He was born on March 18, 1924, to Henry Grady Parker and Irene Riggins Parker in Talladega.

Once graduating from Montevallo High School in 1942, Mr. Parker attended Auburn University and then was drafted in 1943.  After being honorably discharged as an Army veteran of WWII with two Purple Hearts, he returned to his beloved Auburn to graduate in 1949.  Then upon returning to his hometown, he became involved in community activities including Montevallo High School athletics for over 40 years, Lions Club, serving on The Alabama Baptist newspaper board, Shelby County Board of Education, Shelby County Democratic Executive Committee, Montevallo City Council for 32 years, was selected as Montevallo Citizen of the Year in 1984 and Civic Leader of the Year in 2004. He was a charter member of University Baptist Church in 1971 and served as deacon, treasurer and trustee during his 43 years there. Mr. Parker’s career began in the insurance business but then moved on to work in the U.S. Postal Service and later became the Assistant Postmaster of Montevallo. He served as Mayor of Montevallo from 1996-2006.

Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ann Kohen Parker; and his sister, Annie Boyd Parker Weaver (William K. Weaver).

He is survived by his children, Courtney Parker Murphy and Riggins Parker (Kim).  He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Merritt Murphy Jones (Stephen), Mason Parker (Rachel) and Jordan Parker.

The visitation was at the University Baptist Church in Montevallo on Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. Service was also held at University Baptist Church on Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. with burial at Montevallo Cemetery immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to University Baptist Church, The American Village in Montevallo or Parnell Memorial Library Foundation – Wildflower Garden. Please share condolences online at RockcoFuneralHomes.com. Rockco Funeral Home of Montevallo directed.