Mr. Charles Russell Parker, Sr., age 85, of Lavonia died Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Stephens County Hospital.
Born May 29, 1930 in Gaffney, SC, he was the son of the late Van Buren and Lillian (Motte) Parker. After the death of his mother when he was 4, he was raised by his father and step mother: Annie Lavender Parker. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years Shirley DeLane (Swofford) Parker. He worked in management with Milliken and Harbin Lumber Company. Mr. Parker was an Eagle Scout and was a US Army veteran. He was a member of Lavonia First Baptist Church for 50 years, where he served as Deacon and was involved in a number of other church ministries.
Survivors include his wife: Valeria (Cotton) Parker; daughters, DeLane Haren (Evan) of Etowah, TN, and Lola Bell (Steve) of Athens; son: Rusty Parker (Sherri) of Fair Play, SC; eight grandchildren, Frank Haren (Jen), Adrienne Rea (Kyle), and Parker Haren (Molly); David Bell (Erin) and Susan Dachenhausen (Chase); and Russell Parker, III (Jamie), Van Parker (Brittany), and Andrew Parker (Katye); step daughter: Debbie Royston (Steve); step granddaughter: Donna Segars (Brian) and 6 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. Burial will follow in Lavonia City-Burgess Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends, at the funeral home, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday. At other times the family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lavonia First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 47, Lavonia, GA 30553.
Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.