Lewis Parker

Lewis Parker, age 74, of Baxley died Saturday, January 30, 2021 at his residence under the care of Community Hospice.

Mr. Parker was born March 26, 1946 in Hazlehurst to the late William Clarence “Bill” Parker, Sr. and the late Willie Veal Parker. He served seven years in the Army National Guard and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Baxley. He was also co-owner of Parker Brothers Pecan Farm.

Mr. Parker began his career in law enforcement with the City of Baxley as a dispatcher and was later named the second youngest police chief ever in the state of Georgia. He went on to serve as the sheriff of Appling County for 20 years and as the chairman of the county commissioners for three terms.

Mr. Parker was a member of the Georgia Sheriffs Association where he was elected chaplain and was an advocate for the Georgia Sheriffs Youth Homes. He was also a member of the Peace Officers Association and was a Gideon. He was a master mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Holmesville Masonic Lodge 195 F&AM and Knights Templer.

Mr. Parker was a member of the Baxley Lions Club, Appling County Exchange Club, Appling County Chamber of Commerce, and was the recipient of the Golden Eagle Award, the highest honor given by Boy Scouts of America.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Vickie Parker of Baxley; son & daughter in law, Kevin & Missy Parker of Baxley; brother & sister in law, Bill & Teresa Parker of Baxley, and two grandsons, Mason Parker & Merrick Parker both of Baxley; and lifelong family member, Tim Jackson of Baxley.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Meguiar and Rev. David Barber officiating. Mr. Parker will lie in state at the gravesite from 1:15 p.m. until the funeral hour.

Active pallbearers will be Sheriff Mark Melton, Retired GBI Inspector Lee Sweat, Retired Sgt. DNR Ranger James McDaniel, Retired GSP Master Trooper Keith Mack, Retired Police Chief James Godfrey, and former County Manager Lee Lewis.

Honorary pallbearers will be all current and former city, county, and state law enforcement officers and employees, all members of his National Guard (First Battalion, Second Artillery, B-Battery, 155-Self Propelled Howitzer Section Chief), Appling County Commissioners, and all city and county employees.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or the Boy Scouts of America.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.