Boyd B. Parker

Boyd B. Parker, lovingly known to many as “Red” or “Ray,” passed away peacefully at his home on March 8, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on April 24, 1933, in Zilpha County, Mississippi, Boyd lived a long, full life marked by service, faith, hard work, and deep devotion to his family.

Boyd grew up in Moon Lake, Mississippi, where he learned the values that would guide him throughout his life—faith in God, dedication to hard work, and genuine care for others. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 21 years, specializing in food service. His excellence and leadership were nationally recognized in 1969 when he was awarded the prestigious Hennessy Trophy at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, honoring the best food service operation in the Air Force.

Following his military career, Boyd continued his lifelong passion for food service, working as a restaurant manager for LaQuinta and Denny’s, bringing his total career in food service to an impressive 38 years. No matter where he worked, Boyd was known as trustworthy, a prankster at heart, and someone who never met a stranger.

Boyd was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Lorraine Parker, with whom he shared 71 wonderful years. Together they built a strong, loving family that was always the center of Boyd’s world. He is survived by his children: Linda Evans, Sharon Parker, Susan Ricks and Douglas Ricks. He was a proud grandfather to Amanda Lopez, Freddy Lopez, Matthew Ricks, Brandi Ricks, Kyle Ricks, and Estefani Ricks, and a cherished great-grandfather to Daniel Blagg, Zoe Lopez, Adlei Lopez, Malia Lopez, and Rylee Ricks.

He is also survived by his siblings Doris Tidwell; Tony Parker and his wife Judy; and David Parker and his wife Linda. Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, James B. Parker and Gertrude Parker; siblings Kerry Parker, James Parker, Francis Doss, Unice Palante, Donna Thornton, Naomi Dunn, and Civil Parker; his son James Parker; grandson Robert B. Evans; and son-in-law Robert O. Evans.

A man of deep faith, Boyd was a Methodist and actively served his community. He volunteered as a firefighter with the Stafford Fire Department, served as an usher and food service volunteer at church, and was a proud member of Shriners International, the Masons, and the Scottish Rite. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and playing golf, but nothing brought him greater joy than being present for his family.

Boyd showed his love through his actions—attending every family reunion he could, never missing Grandparents’ Day, and faithfully supporting his great-grandchildren at their extracurricular activities. He was best known for the immense love he had for his family, his gentlemanly nature, and his open heart—he never turned anyone away.

Family and friends will always remember Boyd’s favorite sayings. When told “I love you,” his reply was always, “I love you more.” And when faced with complaints, he would grin and say, “Suck it up.” These words, like Boyd himself, reflected his humor, resilience, and love.

The family finds comfort in the words of Psalm 23, which reflects Boyd’s faith and the peace he now rests in:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…”

Boyd B. Parker’s legacy of love, service, and faith will live on through all who were blessed to know him.