Robert Thomas (Tommy) Parker

Robert Thomas (Tommy) Parker of Covington was born on December 25, 1948, in Porterdale, Georgia. At the age of 75, he left this world peacefully, Monday, May 20, 2024. He is now in the presence of our Lord experiencing the wonders of heaven with no more suffering, as he has been made whole once again.

Tommy was preceded in death by the love of his life Joy (Tucker) Parker; his parents, Walter Thomas Parker and Alice (Cook) Parker Edwards; stepfather, Thomas Edwards; brothers-in-law, Rayburn Bankston and Scott Tucker, and infant nephew, Wesley Todd Bankston.

Tommy is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Amy Parker; daughter and son-in-law, Renee and John Henderson; sisters, Barbara Bankston and Nancy Parker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lanny and Laura Tucker; and sister-in-law, Jean Tucker.  He also leaves behind his beloved grand babies, Meredith Parker, Natalie Henderson, Gavin Parker, and Chance Henderson, as well as nephews, Shannon (Brenda) Tucker, Jeremy (Brandy) Tucker, Devin Tucker and niece Brittany (Zack) Hilty.

Tommy was a very selfless man and always worked hard to provide for his family and give to others when he was able.  He grew up quickly after losing his father at the young age of 10, as he began helping to support his mother and sisters.  He would deliver newspapers on his bicycle and cut grass for various people in the Oxford area.  After graduating from Newton High School in June of 1967, he worked for a short time at Big Apple Supermarket until he was drafted to serve in the US Army in June of 1968.  Tommy served his country with great pride as he attended boot camp at Fort Gordon before going to Long Binh, Vietnam, northeast of Saigon.  He worked nights and kept inventory of ammunition and tracked where it was deployed and where more was needed.  After returning home from Vietnam in June of 1971, he went back to work in the grocery store business at Food Giant, where he happened to meet Joy, his wife of 50 years.

Tommy went on to sell life insurance with his father-in-law, for National Life Insurance Company, where he had a route and would go door to door collecting people’s insurance payments.  Many people in various communities in Newton County knew him as “The Insurance Man”.  He also sold insurance for Franklin Life Insurance Company and Independent Life Insurance Company.  Later, he went back to the grocery store business and worked at Doster’s Red and White as a meat cutter. Tommy ended his career as the Warehouse Manager for Teijin Aramid in Conyers, in December of 2014.

Tommy was a devoted Christian man and a charter member of Oxford Baptist Church.  He served as Chairman of Deacons, Church Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Church Keeper, Sound Man, and anything else that needed to be done.  He was always a voice of reason and was a role model and mentor to many men in the church.

Tommy loved his children and grandchildren dearly. When Jason and Renee were younger, he was a dedicated band parent. He drove Newton County High School’s band trailer, “Spot” in the 90s.  Later when his grandchildren came along, he could be found every weekend at the soccer field cheering on his grandsons or supporting his granddaughters in their many endeavors.

During his years of retirement, Tommy enjoyed vacationing in the Smokey Mountains with Joy.  He loved a good crossword and jigsaw puzzle, and of course watching any football or basketball game he could find on TV.

Tommy will always be remembered for his warm smile, distinct green eyes, and infectious laugh. His family and friends will miss him dearly.

A Funeral Service for Tommy will be held Friday, May 24, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oxford Baptist Church, PO Box 128, Oxford, GA 30054.