Gerald Leo Parker, 81, passed away at his home in Noxapater, Mississippi, on Monday, April 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be Thursday, April 23 at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Damon Williams officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Noxapater Methodist Cemetery in Noxapater.
Leo was born May 19, 1944, to George and Edna Winstead Parker in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He was a member of Louisville First Methodist Church. Leo lived his life in service to others and dedication to his community. For more than four decades, he served as a board member at East Central Community College, beginning in 1980. He also served on the EMEPA Credentials and Elections Committee for three terms. His strong work ethic was evident throughout his careers, from his 15 years at the Spartus Corporation as a draftsman and mold maker machinist to his 26 years of teaching at the Winston Louisville Career & Technical Center, where he shared his knowledge with countless students. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his garden, and spending time in his shop after retirement. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Leo is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Danny Bagwell Parker; and two sons, Kirk (Annette) Parker of Nampa, Idaho, and Gerald (Jane) Parker of Amory, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Grandpa” to his six grandchildren: Jacob (Michelle) Parker, Matthew Parker (Lehi Kafri), Lea (Alex) Blanton, Blake (Katie) Parker, Lesley (Brett) Spencer, and Sam Parker (Bre Harmon); as well as his three great-grandsons: Dayton Parker, Rhett Parker, and Mack Parker; and three great-granddaughters: Macey Jane Parker, Maggie Beth Spencer, and Tatum Parker. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Charles Thomas, and two nephews, Joel Thomas and Jermey Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Peggy Parker Thomas.
Honorary pallbearers are the men of the J. E. Calloway Sunday School Bible Class at Louisville First Methodist Church, Tommy Hengst, Ernie Moore, Jerry Webb, Sid Massey, Tommy Ellison, and Hap Hickman.
