History of the Restoration Movement


Floyd O. Parker

1912-1996

The Life of F.O. Parker

Floyd O. Parker was born in Killen, Alabama on May 7, 1912. He was baptized by Robert Frederick in August, 1932. He was married to the former Oleta Barksdale on February 29, 1936. To this union was born four children, John David Parker, a preacher of the gospel; Ellen Joy, the wife of Bo Greer; Faye Elaine, the wife of Paul Tarence; and Barbara Gayle Parker, the wife of the late Rex Turner, Jr.; and Floyd O. Parker, Jr.

     Floyd received his undergraduate training at Lipscomb University, the University of North Alabama, and received his B.S. degree from Troy State Univerity in 1949. He also attended Alabama Polytechnic where he completed his Masters of Science degree. He also pursued one year toward a terminal degree.

He began preaching in Center Star, Alabama. He served churches of Christ in various places as their pulpit preacher. He served the Huntsville Park church in Huntsville, Alabama from 1943-1946. He also worked with the church in Trion, Georgia from 1946-1947. Then he was at Christian Home in Newton, Alabama from 1947-1954. From there his family moved to Wetumpka, Alabama where he preached from 1954. While in the Montgomery area, he also preached for the Chisholm church and the Panama Street churches.

Floyd Parker was involved in radio work while in Huntsville, Alabama on WBHP. While in Enterprise, he preached on WIBB. Then while he was in Dothan he preached on WOOF radio stations. He also preached on the radio while in Wetumpka, Alabama on WETU. While living in the Montgomery area he served for a number of years at Alabama Christian College. During that time he served for four years as principal of the High School. He farmed for several years as well as preached among many churches in gospel meeting work.

-Preachers of Today, v.1 p.262, v.2 p.334, v.5 p.208
by Scott Harp, 03.14.2013
Web Editor's Note: Of personal interest to my life, my father, Richard Harp has been a long-time gospel preacher. Our family followed the Parkers at Chisholm when my dad went there to preach in 1965. While we only lived in Montgomery for three years, the Parker name was a household word to members of churches of Christ in that era.

Gospel Advocate Obituary For Oleta Parker

Oleta Barksdale Parker, 87, died July 18.

Mrs. Parker was an elementary teacher for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd O. Parker. She is survived by five children, John David Parker of Alexander City, Ala., Elaine Tarence of Equality, Ala., Floyd O. Parker Jr., Joy Greer, and Barbara Turner, all of Montgomery; one brother, Ted W. Barksdale of Largo, Fla.; 15 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

Interment was July 20 at Greenwood Cemetery.

Montgomery, Ala.

Gospel Advocate, October, 2006, page 41.

Directions To The Grave of F.O. Parker

F.O. Parker was buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama. Besides being the final resting place for many of Alabama's great historical figures included Governors George Wallace and Lurlene B. Wallace; many gospel preachers are now buried there as well. Just east of central Montgomery, take I-85 to Exit 3, Ann St. Exit, and go north. Go five streets to Highland and turn right. Go to the stop sign and you will be facing the entrance to Greenwood Cemetery. Enter the cemetery and go to the top of the hill. As you go up the hill note the section to the right with three crosses in the middle. When topping the hill go into the circle where the grave of the late former Governor and politician of the mid-20th century, George C. Wallace is buried. Take the first right and begin going down the hill. Take the first left and stop the car. On the corner to your right is the grave of F.O. & Oleta Parker. Other preachers of note buried at Greenwood are V.P. Black, Rex Turner, Sr., Rex Turner, Jr., J.M. Barnes and Clyde E. Fulmer.

GPS Location
32.371684,-86.262522

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PARKER


Oleta B.
1918-2006


Floyd O.
1912-1996

Photos Taken 03.05.2013
Page produced 03.14.2013
Courtesy of Scott Harp
www.TheRestorationMovement.com

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