Pastor Roosevelt Parker, Sr.

Pastor Roosevelt Parker, Sr. was born in Alexander City on June 17, 1940, to the parentage of the late Edna and Otis Park, Sr. Pastor Roosevelt Parker, Sr. was educated in the Anniston City School system. He graduated from Cobb Avenue High School where he was an All-State football player for the mighty Cobb Panthers. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and became a Hull Technician. After serving 20 years in the Navy, he joined the reserve until he retired. Pastor Parker also retired from the Fort McClellan post office. He went on to further his education and received not only a bachelor's degree but, he also received a master's in Biblical Counseling and a Doctorate in Biblical Philosophy. Pastor Parker accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and united with the Greater Calvary Baptist Church. While worshiping at Greater Calvary he became a dedicated deacon and served as chairman of the deacon board for years. Pastor Parker loved singing praises to God. This was evident when he sang with the gospel group the Heavenly Voices. God called him into the ministry while under the leadership of Pastor Hershey Taylor. In 2002, he became the pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Alabama where he served until 2019. A few of his many accomplishments as a pastor was establishing new ministries, creating a scholarship awards program for high school and college students, and erecting a new sanctuary. Along life's journey, Pastor Parker met the love of his life, Gennetta Parker. On June 15, 1979, they were united in holy matrimony. This love flourished for 45 years. A man of profound faith, Pastor Parker was dedicated to helping others. He had a love for his community and worked in many capacities to help his people. He was the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a member of the housing board, and a member of the planning commission. Because he recognized that children were the future of his community, he worked hard to motivate them to succeed and serve society. He spent countless hours mentoring young people and encouraging others to do the same. On the evening of Friday, May 31, 2024, Pastor Parker answered the Master's call and boarded that glory train to heaven where he was reunited with his parents, Edna and Otis Parker, Sr. and his siblings, Lucille McGruder, Ressie Pruitt, Nellie Ruth Parker, Betty Jean Parker, Claudia Riddle, Barbara Jean Parker, Simmie Parker, Ollis Parker, Otis Parker, Jr., and Herman Parker. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife, Gennetta Parker; his children, Roosevelt (Sharon) Parker, Jr. and Nichole Orr, both of Anniston, Jacqueline D. Gaston of Atlanta, GA, Harriet L. Moore of Nashville, TN, Debra L. (Chuck) Jones of Gallatin, TN, Danyelle Love of Chattanooga, TN, Travis J. (Jessica) Dunn and Lucrecia (Kejuan) Reed, both of Anniston, and Felecia D. Dunn of Jacksonville, AL, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Dr. Roosevelt Parker Sr. will forever be remembered for his selflessness, compassion, and dedication to bettering the lives of others. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Tributes

Pastor Roosevelt Parker, Sr.

June 17, 1940 - May 31, 2024