O’Farrell (O.F.) Parker passed away at his home in Starkville on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the age of 96 surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 8, from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church located in Starkville, Miss. with the service to follow. Burial will be held at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville.
He was born May 20, 1919 in Lawrence, Miss. to Floyd and Cordie Parker. He married Doris Young on April 3, 1946. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, son, Mike Parker (Jerene) of Ackerman, and daughter, Janet Jones of Madison. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Lauren Jones of Baton Rouge, and Michaela and Michelle Parker of Ackerman. Parker is also survived by one brother, Glen Parker of Kosciusko, and his nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, six brothers – Selby, Otell, Jarvis, Emmitt, Elton, and Wallace, and one sister – Minnie Ola.
Outside of spending time with his wife and family, he loved spending time in his garden, going to the woods to check on his tree farm, and grafting plants and trees. He could be found almost every morning drinking coffee with his friends at a local bank. Parker was an avid fan of Mississippi State athletics, especially football and basketball and passed on his love for MSU athletics to his three granddaughters.
He graduated from Newton High School, attended East Central Junior College, and graduated with a degree in Agriculture from Mississippi State University in 1945
Parker served as an assistant county extension agent in Greene and Neshoba counties for four year before moving to Starkville as a county agent. He served in that capacity for 21 year. The city of Starkville and Oktibbeha County proclaimed O.F. Parker Day in June of 1974 in honor of his service. Following his retirement, he was elected Tax Assessor and Collector where he served for eight years. He later served as election commissioner for many years. He was also instrumental in the management for the Memorial Garden Park Cemetery. He served on the board of directors up until a few years ago and continued to serve on the cemetery’s executive committee until his death.
As a result of his service to Oktibbeha County community, he was rewarded numerous honors. His honors include: the Coveted Distinguished Service award from the National Association of Agriculture Agents, Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Businessman of the Year, the Oktibbeha County Tree Farmer of the Year in 1982, Lifetime Membership MSU Alumni from the Oktoc Community Club, and the NARFE Meritorious Service Award. He was also a recipient of the Book of Golden Deeds Award.
Parker served as Secretary Treasurer of the Oktibbeha County Cattlemen’s Association for 24 years. He was the president of Mississippi Association of County Agricultural Agents and a member of the PHO Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi Extension Fraternity. He was also a charter member of the Ag 100 Club. Parker also served on the Board of Directors of Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trustees of Starkville Academy, and the Board of Directors of State Election Commission Organization.
During his 62 years in Oktibbeha County, he was a member of the Agricultural Club, Forest Farmers Association, Cattlemen’s Association, and National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He was also a member of First Baptist Church Starkville and the Businessman’s Bible Class.