Cecil Wayne Parker
Wayne Parker went to be with the Lord on August 9, 2022 after suffering from an acute illness. He is now rejoicing with his wife of 44 years, Lynnell Parker; his mother, Maxie Charlotte Terry; his father, Cecil Benjamin Parker; a host of his aunts and uncles who were more like brothers and sisters to him; and other family and friends.
He leaves behind his children, Wes, Ft. Myers, FL; Adrienne (Tim), Decatur, AL; grandchildren, Michael and Parker; sister, Martha Kelly (Pat), Decatur, AL; brother, Dwight, Moulton, AL; nieces, Michelle and Rachael; nephews, Travis and Richard; sister-in-law, Gayle Jagielski (Virginia Beach, VA); and brother-in-law, Russell Page, Jr. (Allen), Washington, D.C.
Wayne was born in Moulton, Alabama and was raised on his family’s cotton farm. He attended Lawrence County High School (Class of 1964) where he excelled academically as well as athletically. Wayne was a hometown hero, lettering in baseball, football, and basketball. Basketball provided him a scholarship opportunity to play at Howard University (now Samford University) in Birmingham, Alabama. Due to lack of scholarship funds during his sophomore year, Wayne transferred to the University of Alabama and played football for the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. A neck injury at practice ended his football career but anyone who knew Wayne would tell you he remained an ardent Alabama fan. Wayne continued his post-graduate education at Samford University earning a Doctorate of Pharmacy and becoming a registered pharmacist. He also served in the United States Army. He met the love of his life, Lynnell, at the University of Alabama and the two were married in November, 1973. Wayne and Lynnell settled in Decatur where Wayne worked as a pharmacist at Family Mart. Soon after, Wes was born and Adrienne came along 19 months later.
Wayne, Lynnell, Wes and Adrienne moved to Newport, Tennessee in 1980 when Wayne purchased Newport Drug Store and became its sole proprietor. He and Lynnell worked together and successfully operated Newport Drug Store until his retirement in 2010. They were members of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. Both he and Lynnell were licensed pilots and loved flying on the weekends and the many friends they met through aviation. Wayne was a shrewd businessman, loved discussing the stock market; loved high school and college football; never met a stranger; made the best cornbread; was a ruthless Rook card player; and absolutely adored his family, especially his grandchildren. He was quick to make friends and was always a loyal friend, many stating Wayne was “like a brother” to them. He had the ability to make everyone laugh and all tended to surround him at gatherings because he always had something hilarious to say. He was the life of the party and made such an impact on all who knew him. Roll Tide!
The family will receive friends at Shelton Funeral Home, Decatur, AL on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Shelton Funeral Home, Decatur, AL on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Adrienne and Wes request donations be made to either of Wayne and Lynnell’s favorite charities to which they faithfully gave and held dear: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee and the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home.
