Thomas Lesley Parker

Thomas Lesley Parker, 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at his home in Montgomery. He had battled complications from prostate cancer for several months and passed only three weeks after the death of his beloved wife, Mary. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Mae and Leon Parker, and his twin brother, David. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Bill) Betts and Julie (Jason) Threatt; his three grandsons, Jackson (Nava) Betts, Joey Betts, and James Betts; and his niece, Stacey (Robin) Deland.

Tom was raised in Taylor, Alabama, and graduated from Rehobeth High School. He was a member of the very first class at George Wallace Junior College in Dothan, where he played on the first baseball and basketball teams and served as the college’s first Student Government Association President. After completing his studies at Wallace, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Troy University and later attended seminary at Emory University, where he received his Master of Theology as well as a Doctorate of Ministry degree.

Tom began preaching with the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1964 at the age of 18. He faithfully served numerous churches throughout his ministry before retiring from the conference in 1990. Following his love of teaching, Tom taught history and ethics at Troy University while also pursuing a career in financial consulting. He later worked with Waddell & Reed for the remainder of his professional career.

Tom loved basketball and enjoyed coaching youth leagues. While living in Dothan, he led a YMCA youth team to regional championships for two consecutive years. He also coached the Jack Powell Youth Basketball League in Eufaula to a regional championship and coached the all-star team that made it to the All-Star tournament game. An avid golfer, Tom spent much of his retirement on the golf course. He and Mary also shared a love of travel and enjoyed cruises to Alaska, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Tom had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his generosity and compassion. He loved his family deeply and will be missed tremendously.