John Lester “JL” Parker, 85 passed away at his home on January 8, 2026. He was born July 24, 1940, in Cullman County, the cherished son of George Searcy Parker and Willie Lands Parker of Fairview. He grew up in the Hulaco/Ryan area and later married Alice Miller Parker of Arab on December 14, 1962. In 1984, they purchased a farm in Arab, where they lived for the remainder of their lives.
On August 24, 2025, at the age of 85, JL made the most important decision of his life when he was baptized and publicly professed his faith, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. With that declaration, he claimed the promise of salvation and eternal life. While his time on earth has come to an end, his family finds peace and comfort in knowing that he is now healed, whole, and rejoicing in Heaven, forever in the presence of Jesus.
He is survived by his sons, Keith Parker (Kristy) and Phillip Parker, both of Arab; grandchildren: Robert Parker (Laura) of Arab, Tori Parker Bigoney (Cody) of Huntsville, Jarrod Parker of Huntsville, Taylor Parker (Kaysen) of Jasper, Bradley Parker (Destini) of Arab, and Logan Parker of Arab; great-grandchildren: Briella Parker and Evelyn Parker; siblings: Dixie Calcote of Texas, George Parker Jr. of Texas, and Gary Parker of Georgia. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Alice Parker, who passed on September 19, 2025; his parents: George Searcy Parker and Willie Lands Parker; and his siblings: Clara Hyatt, Herman Parker, Horace Parker, Mildred Hooten, and Jack Parker.
In accordance with his preferences, there will be a private family service. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Gilliam Springs Cemetery.
