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Reverend W. Floyd Parker

January 25, 1935 - July 22, 2021
Visitation
Berea First Baptist Church
529 Farrs Bridge Road
Greenville, South Carolina 29611
Monday 7/26, 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Service
Berea First Baptist Church
529 Farrs Bridge Road
Greenville, South Carolina 29611
Monday 7/26, 2:00 pm

Reverend W. Floyd Parker, 86, husband of Irma Lee Demby Parker, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 22, 2021.

Born in Rockingham, NC on January 25, 1935, he was the son of the late Colon James and Edna Jane Brock Parker.

He was a member of Scenic Hills Baptist Church and a Minister of music and administrator of Berea First Baptist Church for over 30 years.

Growing up in a mill village in Rockingham, NC, Floyd Parker grew accustomed to poverty. His home did not include luxuries such as hot water, a shower or an indoor bathroom. But when it comes to loving family and friendships, the Reverend is a rich man today!

He and Irma made the decision to respond to what they felt was God leading them to become vocational ministers. The “journey” had begun! Irma raised the kids and was supportive of his working and getting a formal education from Furman University while servicing as a minister.

Floyd is known for his musical contributions at Berea First Baptist Church where he served from 1966 until 1999. He directed 17 different musical groups that included more than 1,000 participants. Among churches, it was the largest musical program in South Carolina and the fourth largest in the nation. Along the way, Parker’s efforts to help others were recognized by the Berea Lions Club, which chose him as its Man of the Year, in 1999. He was named Wingate College’s Alumnus of the Year, in 1993, and once received the national Heart of Service Award by a Christian organization for his work with children.

During the Christmas season, Floyd’s ministry focused on “The Living Christmas Tree.” He created “The Tree” at Berea First Baptist Church in 1978. “The Tree” grew to nine performances each season and was known for its beautiful music, lighting, full of orchestra, and drama. “The Tree” was a celebration of the birth of Christ and most of all, emphasized the fact that wise men still seek Him today.

One of the highlights of his journey was the musical production of “Down by the Creek Bank” with Dottie Rambo, Dave Huntinger, and Joe Huffman. Floyd took his music, a creative setting and a story line that made Dottie Rambo’s songs the top selling children’s musical of all time for Christian music. The Berea First Baptist Church, in Greenville, SC allowed Floyd and 27 of the most talented and excited kids to become “The Creek Bank Singers” of this award-winning musical.

Floyd and Irma spent several weeks each summer working with young people at church camps. In the heat of Cheraw, SC, lifelong friendships were made and countless young people accepted Christ. Memories include lakeside worship, campfires, cold showers, and much more. Here many chose full time Christian service! Camp Forrest, Buckhorn, and Juniper: These were places of great ministry for Floyd Parker.

In addition to his wife of 67 years, he is survived by his two sons, Mike Parker (Jackie), and Tim Parker (Stacy); two daughters, Elaine Collins (Rick), and Penny Justice (Paul); nine grandchildren, Jessica Yale (Josh), Michelle Michael (Zach), Ryan Gilchrist (Whitney), Jamie Durham (Zac), Robbie Gilchrist (Jessica), Annalee Parker, Hayden Justice (Tiffany), Ashley Lancaster (Garrett), and Hunter Justice; and 17 great-grandchildren, Ava, Kaylor, Blaine, Cole, Cade, Reed, Hollis, MacLachlan, McClain, Adler-Glenn, Croft-Robert, Southern, Rionnelee, Parker, Grayson, Nolan, and Jack Henry.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by their infant daughter, Patricia Alise Parker; and three sisters, Janet Sample, Joyce White, and Josephine Ussery.

A visitation will be held Monday, July 26, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Berea First Baptist Church, followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Scenic Hills Baptist Church and Berea First Baptist Church Music Ministry and Camp.

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Visitation
Berea First Baptist Church
529 Farrs Bridge Road
Greenville, South Carolina 29611
Map
Monday 7/26, 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Service
Berea First Baptist Church
529 Farrs Bridge Road
Greenville, South Carolina 29611
Map
Monday 7/26, 2:00 pm
Charity
SCENIC HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH INC, BEREA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
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Reverend W. Floyd Parker, 86, husband of Irma Lee Demby Parker, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Born in Rockingham, NC on January 25, 1935, he was the son of the late Colon James and Edna Jane Brock Parker. He was a member of Scenic Hills Baptist Church and aContinue Reading

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Carolyn Harwell left a message on July 26, 2021:
Floyd meant so much to my family. We will always remember Down By the Creekbank, All We Like Sheep, the Living Christmas Tree, and all the kindness to us. Praying that God will hold the family in His arms, and comfort them.
Connie & Jimmy Tarrant left a message on July 26, 2021:
Dear Family, We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Floyd’s passing. You all will be in our prayers.?? ?
Brandy Harwell Broussard left a message on July 26, 2021:
Irma, and family, My condolences on your loss. May God continue to hold you all in His hands as you grieve. But know joy comes in the morning, and when we get to heaven the choir will be all the sweeter for the reunion we will have with Mr. Parker. Words cannot express my gratitude for all that your family and Floyd in particular have meant to me and to my family.
Sheila Brock Gibson left a message on July 26, 2021:
Sorry for your loss!
Joe Malone left a message on July 25, 2021:
To my friends who have seen Brother Floyd enter the portal of Heaven. Countless souls were touched by the ministry of your loved one. To my favorite Parker Michelle here’s a special portion of my love for your loss.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sandra Campbell Ferguson left a message on July 25, 2021:
I’m praying for your family to have Peace of Mind, Body, Heart and soul as you go through this tough time over the Loss of Floyd.
Billy burgess left a message on July 25, 2021:
I'm going to miss Him. Love you. I am praying for you guys, God bless.
Kim Holbrooks left a message on July 25, 2021:
Irma, Elaine, Mike, Tim and Penny, Thank you so much for sharing Floyd with me for the better part of my childhood. He taught me so many things but mostly how to love others and he led me to accept Christ at Camp Cheraw. You all are part of my family and this loss definitely hurts terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this most difficult time. I love you all very, very much!
Rita Hendrix Delegatti left a message on July 25, 2021:
Mr. Parker you will be missed. You touched so many lives. You led me to Christ at the age of 8 at Camp Cheraw and you gave me the chance to be one of your Down By the Creekbank Singers. You were an awesome role model to lookup to for many years of my life. Prayers for all of the family!
Sylvia McAlister left a message on July 25, 2021:
One of my greatest blessings and joy was singing with Floyd in the Berea First Baptist Church choir. He will always be remembered for his great talent. Condolences to the entire family!!
Kevin Plexico left a message on July 25, 2021:
Prayers from the Plexico family. Our thoughts are with you all . We will continue praying for you. Shirley Plexico and Kevin Plexico
Joe Sample left a message on July 25, 2021:
May the God of grace bring comfort to you now and in the days to come. Many blessings.
Mark and Laura LeBreton left a message on July 25, 2021:
So sorry to hear about Mr. Parker's home going. He was a wonderful man who meant so much to many. He touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. We are praying for Miss Irma and the rest of the family as you travel through this difficult time. May the Lord be with you and give you peace that goes beyond all understanding.
Calvin Ussery left a message on July 25, 2021:
My condolences to Irma and the family. Floyd was a childhood friend and we enjoyed many wonderful times together. We can all look forward to joining in the heavenly choir and having Floyd direct.
Dean & Tsiania Kearney left a message on July 25, 2021:
It is difficult for me to isolate one memory, although I would like nothing more than to bring a smile to everyone's face at this time. "Mr. Parker" made everyone feel like they belonged, that they fit, no matter what. Mr. Parker married my wife and I, which in my mind, made our union correct. I remember when I asked him to speak at my college for a student event, he did not hesitate, and presented a life lesson for all. To say he had a life long effect on thousands of lives, would be no exaggeration at all. The last time I had the privilege of seeing Mr. Parker, he said he was "Impressed". I can't imagine a better compliment. Thank you Floyd Parker "Mr. Parker", for giving of your life to change the lives of many. Thank you to God for allowing Mr. Parker to intersect my life. Also thanks to the Parker family for allowing him to serve as he did, and for being a part of our families. Our prayers are with you all. Dean Kearney
Barbara Brock Kelley left a message on July 25, 2021:
My deepest sympathy to all of Floyd’s family. May he Rest In Peace in the arms of our Savior Lord Jesus Christ. ?✝️
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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