Lemuel Payne Parker

Lemuel Payne Parker(known to everyone as L.P.)was born at home in West Blocton, Alabama on November 8, 1928. He passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on July 6, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Coleman Parker and Lelia Turner Parker, his siblings, James Coleman Parker, Margaret Parker Fancher and Lovic Parker and his daughter Joy Parker Harris. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Collene Parker and his children, Jim Parker(Donna), Jan Parker Fondren(Jerry) and Julie Parker Copeland(Joel) and his three much adored grandchildren, Jennifer Harris Lawley(Jonathan), Paige Parker Dodd(John) and Jaret Parker Copeland; Sandra McKinney whom he loved like a daughter and Vernie Fondren who was like a sister to him. He was a lifetime member of the West Blocton United Methodist Church where he dedicated his life to Christ at the age of 12. After the closing of the Methodist church, he faithfully attended West Blocton Frist Baptist church until his health no longer allowed.

We was a World War II and Korean Conflict veteran, serving first with the Army Air Corp and then with the 8th Air Force in the intelligence division. During his service he returned and graduated with his beloved 1947 class of West Blocton High School. He worked for Westinghouse Corporation in Calera, Al for 32 years. He then worked for Bibb County Sheriff's department and the town of West Blocton as poice dispatcher. His final position was held at Collene's Flowers as the town's favorite flower delivery man.

He loved and served his community in many different capacities. He was a Master Mason of the Blocton Masonic Lodge #474 for 60 years. After his returen from the Korean Conflict in 1952, he co founded the American Legion Post #47. He became a West Blocton fireman at the ripe old age of 16 and served actively for 76 years until the time of his death. He was given the "Key to the City" from the Town of West Blocton, awarded Citizen of the Year on two different occasions and was Grand Marshal of the Christmas parade. He spoke yearly at the Veteran's programs at WBES and WBHS. He has been the local historian for decades and always loved sharing his knowledge with others. He leaves a rich legacy of family and friends who will miss him greatly The family would like to thank all those at Bibb Medical Center's Home Health Care and Amedisys Home Health Care for taking such good care of our Dad and caring so for the family.

Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, there will only be a graveside service held on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 12 Noon at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park Cemetery in Tuscaloosa, AL. The service will be conducted by Dr. Jim Parker and special prayer will be brought by Rev. Micheal James. Pallbearers will be Joel Copeland, Jaret Copeland, John Dodd, Martin Bates, Corey Lawley and Gene McKinney, Sr. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Fondren, Jonathan Lawley Jay Cromer and Rockco Funeral Home Centreville.

A public memorial will be held at a later time when all can congregate safely. In lieu of flowers donations can be contributed to the L. P. Parker Citizenship Scholarship Fund at First Financial Bank in West Blocton.