Rayford Parker

Mr. Rayford Parker age 77, a well known resident of Calhoun died Thursday afternoon in Gordon Hospital following 2 months declining health.

Mr. Parker was born in Gordon County on June 22, 1929, son of the late Henry Grady Parker and Jessie Lou Kay. He was a member and Deacon of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Before retirement he was employed with North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation; the City of Calhoun in the water treatment facility and was a poultry farmer for many years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Smith Parker in 1973 and by two brothers; Freeman Parker and Kenneth Parker.

Mr. Parker is survived by his wife Beth Cobb Parker to whom he was married for 29 years and by one son, Keith Parker and his wife Sherry of Calhoun. Two granddaughters, Maci and Tess Parker of Calhoun. Three sisters, Louise Nelson of Resaca; Bobbie Mattos of Calhoun and Clistia Pledger of Cheyenne, Wyoming. A host of nieces and nephews and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Rayford Parker will be held Saturday March 10th at 2:00 PM from Bethlehem Baptist Church near Sonoraville with Rev. Jacky Waits and Rev. Eddie Brannon officiating. Interment will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. Pallbearers serving will include Ken Parker, Carter Smith, Anthony Smith, Glenn Cartee, Keith Puckett and Mark Thornbrough. Honorary pallbearers will include the active and inactive deacons of Bethlehem Baptist Church and they include; Julian Holcomb, Billy Kay, Billy Erwin, Cecil Pate and C.J. Freeman; other gentlemen include Clint Burnett, Otis Sherriff, Terry Parker and Buddy Fox. These are asked to meet at the church Saturday at 1:45 PM.

The Parker family will receive friends Friday evening after 5:00 PM at Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home who is in charge of conducting the funeral services for Mr. Rayford Parker of Calhoun. You may express online condolences and sign the family guest register at www.maxbrannonandsons.com.