On Good Friday, Brother Billy Ray Parker began celebrating a life well lived, marking the culmination of a life devoted to his faith and the love he shared with his wife and family.

At the center of his world stood his beloved wife, Becky Parker, their bond a testament to unwavering devotion. Through 29 years of marriage, Billy Ray exemplified steadfast care, often seen holding Becky's hand and being by her side everywhere they went.

He loved his children, Ray, Danny, Vic, Ashleigh, Deanna, and Elizabeth. They never walked a day on this earth without being covered in prayer.  Raising three lively boys and three spirited girls, he instilled in them the confidence to pursue their dreams. He was always there to comfort in times of need and remind them of their calling to love God and love others.

Billy Ray found ultimate delight in every one of his grandchildren, singing to them "You Are My Sunshine" from the moment they entered this world. His presence brought joy and warmth, creating cherished memories that will forever live in their hearts. As his days on this earth were coming to an end, he comforted each of them saying, “It’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later.”

He loved his best friend and brother, Wesley Parker. Between the two of them, they knew how to fill a house with joy, laughter and food every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Dedicated to his church, Brother Billy Ray served as pastor of New Hope Fellowship Baptist Church for 10 years, fostering a spirit of unity and devotion among its members. Together, they gathered in fellowship, delved deep into scripture, and embraced the mission to share His love with others.

With the most beautiful hazel eyes, Billy Ray possessed a remarkable ability to perceive the needs of those around him, offering words of encouragement, warm embraces, Biblical guidance, or incredible meals of deer meat and potatoes when needed or wanted.

A fervent evangelist, he seized every opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ, engaging with nurses, doctors, strangers at the grocery store, and passersby going at the ball fields, leaving a trail of light wherever he went.

He possessed an incredibility mind, one that could remember every number and name that crossed his path. Coupled with an indescribable work ethic and ability to lead and manage processes and people, he retired as the plant manager of a local manufacturing industry.

Billy Ray cherished the simple pleasures of being outside, whether it was the satisfaction of mowing the lawn, the camaraderie shared with friends over a crawfish boil or fish fry, or the serene moments spent swinging on the front porch alongside his cherished chocolate labs. He found solace, often seeking refuge in a tree stand with his crossbow in hand, communing with nature and his Creator.

Brother Billy Ray Parker, left us all with a legacy of love, faith, and service that will endure for generations to come. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his spirit will forever shine brightly in the hearts of all who were touched by his grace.

Billy Parker was preceeded in death by his parents, Barney Parker and Lodena Gould; son,  Danny Adam Parker (2010); Sister,  Bonnie Parker (1945); and grandson,  Adain Dumas (2013). He is survived by his wife, Becky Parker, and his mother-in-law, Marynita Shaw.  His surviving five children, Barney Ray Parker of Clinton, MS; Victor Shane Parker (Robin) of Brandon, MS; Ashleigh (Chad) Rommerdale of Brandon, MS; Elizabeth Danielle (Cody) Phillips of Pisgah, MS, Deanna Lanae (Curtis) Dumas of Walnut Grove, MS, his brother Wesley Parker (Ann) of Morton, MS and step brother, Jimmy Gould of Morton.   He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Hunter Parker, Brody (Chelsea) Parker, Shelly McDill (Hobie), Anna-Claire Dickerson, Chandler Dickerson, Railey Rommerdale, McKinley “Mac” Parker, Taylor Shane Parker, Madison Phillips, Kailyn James Phillips, Parker Dumas, Emma Sue Dumas, and Radain Dumas. He is also survived by one honorary grandchild, Daniel Shaw. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Waylon Ray Parker, Paisley Mae Parker, Louie Clyde McDill and Jed Jackson McDill.

Pallbearers will be James Whittington, Joseph Phillips, Daniel Shaw, David Parker, Randall Sullivan and Mooch Hawkins.

Honorary pallbearers will be New Hope Fellowship Church men.

Visitation was held 5pm-8pm Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton and Visitation was held Wednesday 8:30AM-1:30PM- Family will arrive from 12pm-1:30pm Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton.  Chapel service was held  2pm Wednesday from the Ott & Lee Chapel in Morton.  Graveside service will follow at New Hope Fellowship Cemetery.

Bro. Timmy Jolly, Bro. Brian Parker, Bro. Bubba Langford, Cody Allen and Randy Lum will officiate the service. 

Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton is honored to serve the Parker family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to New Hope Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

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Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.