Henry Lee Parker of Florence, Alabama passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2013.
Henry Lee was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi to William Franklin Parker and Goldie Vick Parker. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to so many.
Henry Lee grew up on a dairy farm in Holly Springs. After graduating from high school in Holly Springs, he attended Mississippi State University where he was a member of the MSU baseball and football teams and also a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
After completing his freshman year at Mississippi State, Henry Lee enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II where he served as an Aerial Gunner. He was a member of the 454th heavy bomber group, 738th squadron stationed in southern Italy. His crew flew 35 bomber missions to most major cities in southern Europe.
Henry Lee was awarded 6 Bronze Battle Stars, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Presidential Citation. He was most proud of a Personal Citation for Bravery for repeated missions deep into Germany in air battles of great intensity and signed by the commanding general of the 15th Air Force.
After completing his service to his country, Henry Lee returned to Mississippi State where he completed his degree in history in 1948.
Henry Lee then began his long career in football coaching and administration at Corinth, Mississippi High School. He moved on to Natchez, Mississippi High School where he became head football coach and a history teacher. Henry Lee returned to his alma mater, Mississippi State, as an assistant football coach for many years.
When the New Orleans Saints franchise began, Henry Lee joined their organization serving as SEC Scout and Chief Scout before becoming Director of Player Personnel. After leaving the Saints, Henry Lee was hired as a Vice President for the newly formed World Football League. Following this, he served in football administration at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Tennessee, and Southern Methodist University. Henry Lee was most proud of being part of an NCAA National Championship team in 1976 at the University of Pittsburgh. After retiring from football, Henry Lee joined American Promotional Events, Inc. in Florence, Alabama where he was affectionately known as “Coach”. He and his wife, Martha Anne, loved Florence and made it their home.
Over the years, Henry Lee enjoyed telling stories and spending time with his family and many dear friends.
Henry Lee was preceded in death, just eight weeks ago by his devoted and loving wife of almost 65 years, Martha Anne Ferriss Parker; his parents; his brother Tommy Frank Parker and his wife, Mary.
Survivors include daughters, Susan Parker Rector and husband David Rector of Knoxville, Tennessee; Kathryn Parker Roberts and husband Craig Roberts of Leawood, Kansas; grandchildren, Melissa Rector Overton and husband John, Brian Wendell Rector and John Parker Rector, Nathan Craig Roberts, Ferriss Amelia Roberts and Parker Annabel Roberts; nephews James Lee Parker (Julia), Frank Parker (Jean) and niece Nina Beth Parker Larson; brother-in-law David “Boo” Ferriss (Miriam).
The family would like to thank the many wonderful people in Florence for their loving care and support and wish to say a special thank you to Terry Anderson and Tom White.
Visitation will be Friday, June 7, 9:30 a.m., at the First Presbyterian of Florence, 224 E. Mobile Street, Florence, Alabama, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 224 E. Mobile Street. Florence, Alabama 35630, or Mississippi State University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762.
Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.
