Lewis Carter Parker Jr.

Lewis Carter Parker, Jr. was born in Tallulah, Louisiana on August 22, 1949 to L. C. and Irma Parker, Sr. In 1952, the family moved to Texas City, Texas. Bro. Parker, Jr. continued his education at Lincoln High School where heserved as Drum Major and led the band to winning a state championship in 1967. He graduated from Lincoln and continued his studies at College of the Mainland where he earned his Associate of Science degree in Political Science in 1969. While at College of the Mainland, he served as Captain of the Track and Basketball teams. From there, he received a baseball scholarship to University of Houston where he served as one of the institution’s first black pitchers. In 1973, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Drama degree with a Psychology minor from University of Houston. He subsequently obtained his Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology degrees from Gulf Southern School of Theology. He attended Westhaven Church of Christ (Texas City) until his health began to fail.

While at Lincoln High School, Bro. Parker, Jr. met a beautiful young lady named Bessie Murray who became his best friend and love of his life. The high school sweethearts were united in holy matrimony in 1970. Their union was blessed with twin sons, Lewis Parker, III and Lewis Parker, IV.

Bro. Parker, Jr. preached his first gospel sermon at age 8. His very first sermon was “The Ark and the Church of Christ.” He continued in the ministry and served various congregations in the greater Houston area including but not limited to Laura Koppe Church of Christ (Houston), Highland Gardens Church of Christ (Houston), Third Ward Church of Christ (Houston), Eastward Church of Christ (Hitchcock), Park Place Church of Christ (Houston), Highway 6 Church of Christ (Alvin), and Scenic Woods Church of Christ (Houston). His ministry further afforded him the opportunity to preach in multiple states and countries as well as on TV and radio.

Bro. Parker, Jr. owned and operated McLain’s Radiator Shop, the family business, until his health began to fail. He also was actively engaged in working in the community. His work in business and politics helped earn him the Ronald Reagan Gold Medal of Honor award after being nominated by then House Majority Leader Tom Delay and a Texas Capitol Ornament award from then Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst.

Bro. Parker, Jr. also served as a Theater Arts teacher and Debate Coach at Willowridge High School from 2002-2004. He further appeared in multiple plays including Grapes of Wrath, Finnian’s Rainbow, A Christmas Carol, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Driving Ms. Daisy.

Left with cherished memories are Dr. Parker’s devoted wife, Bessie Parker; sons, Lewis Parker, III (Erica) and Lewis Parker, IV (Tangeniqua); sisters, Faye Cousey (James), Hazel Allen (Harry) and Toni Rowe (Gene, Jr.); grandchildren, Zephaniah Parker, Serenity Parker and Zehyrah Parker; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and countless individuals whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Irma Parker, Sr., brother, Jackie Parker, Sr. and Jackie’s wife, Brenda Parker.

Bro. Parker, Jr. was a faithful servant of God. His legacy and contribution to the Kingdom and community will be greatly missed, but is much appreciated.

View Dr. Parker's Celebration of Life ceremony at this link.

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