Roland Parker

Rev. Roland Parker, age 74 of Adairsville, departed this life on Monday August 2, 2010 at his residence following an extended illness.

Mr. Parker was born on February 1, 1936 in Gordon County, Georgia, son of the late Charles Richard Parker Sr, and Buna Estella Allen Parker. He lived the greater part of his life in Gordon County, having been associated with Southern Wholesale Supply for many years. He retired from Industrial Systems Associates in Shannon, Georgia in 2000.

In 1967, Roland answered God's call into the Gospel Ministry and received his ordination to pastor in 1983, serving New Zion Baptist Church in Calhoun and Cloverleaf Baptist Church in Cartersville. Rev. Parker was a charter member of Philadelphia Baptist Church that chartered in 1967 where his membership resides.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife and mother of his children, Julia Frances Chadwick Parker on November 11, 1980, and by two brothers, Charles Richard Parker Jr. and Duell Parker.

Survivors include his wife, Katherine Wilene Holden Parker of Adairsville to whom he was married for 27 years; two daughters, Rhonda Susan Parker Sumner and her husband Randy Eugene Sumner of Adairsville, and Kimberly Leigh Parker of Adairsville; and a son, Kevin Dexter Parker and his wife Sherry Lee Williams Parker of Adairsville. Grandchildren surviving are Christopher Ryan Sumner and his wife Amy Michelle Cantrell Sumner of Adairsville, Chad Brian Sumner and his wife Crystal Lee Davis Sumner of Resaca, Michael Brandon Parker, stationed in Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, and Dillan Mark Parker of Adairsville; and four great grandchildren, Abram Blayne Sumner, Madison Riley Sumner, Taylor Ryanne Sumner and Brooklyn Reese Sumner. Four sisters, Mildred Jimmie Lee Casteel of Cartersville, Clara Sue Dover of Calhoun, Linda Jean Hobgood and her husband James of Calhoun, and Joy Faye Langston and her husband Richard of Calhoun; and a sister-in-law, Jessie Parker of Crossville, Tennessee also survive.

Funeral services for Rev. Roland Parker will be held Thursday, August 5th at 3:00 PM from Philadelphia Baptist Church, with Rev. Tim McCulley, Rev. Gary Wells and Rev. Gary Bowman officiating. Music will be arranged by Jackie Garrett McDaniel, Judith Arnold, Latricia Sutherland and Maurice Payne. Pallbearers serving include Willie Jo Walker, Charlie Chadwick, Roy Chadwick, Jerry Chadwick, Richard Langston, Jim Hobgood, Bobby Mullinax and Jack Stone. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Wisdom Sunday School Class along with Howard Chadwick, Stacey Hughey, Terry Talley, Rickey Holden, Ryan Holden, Wayne Christol, Terry DeFoor and Joey Defoor. Honorary Escort will consist of the grandsons, Chris and Chad Sumner and Brandon and Dillan Parker. Interment will follow in Fain Cemetery.

The Parker family will receive friends Wednesday at Philadelphia Baptist Church from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and on Thursday at the funeral home until 1:30 PM, at which time the body will be carried to the church to lie in state one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Philadelphia Baptist Church for the "Feed the Hungry Program", or Gideon International.

Online condolences may be expressed and the register guest book signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, a legacy of compassion and care, is in charge of directing the funeral service for Rev. Roland Parker of Adairsville.