Larry Joe Parker departed this life at NMMC after a brief period of declining health. He was 79 years old. Born in Tupelo on February 15, 1947 to the late Rex Parker and Mary Ann Johnston Parker, he grew up in Lee County but spent much of his adult life in the Furrs Community of Pontotoc Co. On July 17, 1992, he married Dr. Jackie Parker in Pontotoc. She died March 3, 2021. Joe was an industrious man and a member of Union Local 669 for 52 years. He served primarily as a Sprinkler System Installer with B.T.J. Sprinkler Systems. A patriotic citizen, Joe served time in the Mississippi National Guard. A member of Furrs Baptist Church, Joe had an easy gate about him and managed to enjoy life every day. A piddler, he enjoyed his shop and tinkering with old cars. He took in every stray animal that came his way. A practical jokester and splendid Southern storyteller, he was seen almost daily doing breakfast and holding forth at Huddle House on Eason. He also enjoyed eating at 41 Fish and Steak and the Black Smith Restaurant in Pontotoc. Joe was a “horse trader”, loved keeping his pickup and vehicles “spick and span” and riding country roads. He was a dirt road sport!
A service celebrating his life will take place at 2 PM Monday, November 9, 2026 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Steve Holland and his son in law, Barry West speaking. Private burial will follow in Pontotoc Memorial Gardens off Hwy 9. Visitation will be from Noon-service time Monday only at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 2 PM Monday, and will be archived thereafter.
Joe is survived by his 3 daughters, Dawn Kelly (Billy) of the Auburn Community, Mary Ann West (Barry) of Eggville, and Ashley McCann (Max) of Cleveland, TN; his grandchildren, Carmen Beck (Chris), Kristin Bishop (Josh), Adrianna Carpenter (Lance), Alexandria Sims (Brennan), Haley Younce, Trenton Stanfield, Lyric Sanfield (Tucker), and Addie Grace Robbins (Will); his great-grandchildren, Parker, Sean Micheal, Avery, Bentlee, Ruby Kate, Laikley Raye, Ridge and Margaret Anne; a step-son, Jay Ferguson; a sister-in-law, Marianna Parker and her daughter, Wendy Ann Bradshaw, and a special friend, Sandra Weaver. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jackie, and his brother, Jerry Parker.
Pallbearers will be Barry West, Billy Kelly, Josh Bishop, Trent Stanfield Max Mccann, CJ Dillard, Chris Beck, Will Dillard and Tim Dillard.
Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends. (662 840 5000)
