Sammy "Wild Bill" Parker's Obituary
Funeral Service for Mr. Sammy "Wild Bill" Parker, 83, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11:00 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Rev. Chad Middlebrooks will officiate. Burial will follow at Russell Farm Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Wild Bill Parker, donned in his favorite cowboy hat, marched through the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Born on August 16, 1940, he was the son of Mr. Sam Parker and Mrs. Vivian Funderburk Parker. Bill was a dedicated man of faith that loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He found solace in reading his Bible and attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Wild Bill worked for Russell Corporation as a truck driver for many years, and it's here where he earned his nickname from colleagues after flipping the company truck. Much like the infamous vehicle meeting the concrete, Wild Bill made a dent in the hearts of all that knew him. He was known for being the most hardworking, selfless person who would do everything he could to help someone out. You could always count on him at breakfast time to be sitting at the Burger King with a good cup of coffee and even better conversation.
In his downtime, Bill enjoyed anything involving yard work whether it was working on lawnmowers, cutting grass, or just tinkering around. His charming personality gained him the unofficial title of "Mayor" at Chapman's Health Care, where he often played the guitar or harmonica to entertain his fellow citizens. Bill loved the people he met through Chapman's-both staff and neighbors. His greatest achievement was being a loving husband to his first wife, Ida Mae, and his second wife, Jackie, through their final days. Bill adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who affectionately knew him as "Paw Paw Bill." This man of faith, integrity, and generosity will never be forgotten by his family and friends.
Wild Bill is survived by his daughters, Kem Salter, Donna (Pat) Murphy; sons, Jim (Donda) Burns, Tim (Lisa) Burns, Jeff (Bonnie) Chandler; grandchildren, Dana Murphy, Michael (Ashleigh) Murphy, Cassie (Sonny) Edwards, Nicolas Salter, Tyler (Julie) Braden, Adam (Hannah) Chandler, Evan Chandler, Shane (Haley) Burns, Anna (Brian) Carter, Brett (Claire) Burns, Callie (Patrick) Sprayberry; great-grandchildren, Jordan Lindsey, Camdyn Salter, Cainyn Salter, Zack Salter, Berkleigh Braden, Holland Braden, Linley Carter, Jack Carter, Libby Carter, Railey Burns, Georgia Burns, Adalyn Burns, Sylvie Sprayberry; Haleigh Edwards, Colton Edwards; cousin, Troy Smith, several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Hilda Lacey.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrna Jackie Parker; first wife, Ida Mae Parker; and parents, Sam and Vivian Parker.
The family is graciously accepting flowers, but asks for those who wish to make donations please consider donating to Mt. Zion Baptist Church in memory of Wild Bill Parker.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the Parker family.
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