Mr. Sam Parker

Sam Barlow Parker, 91, longtime resident of Florence, passed away Oct. 11, 2013 at the VA Hospital in Jackson. Visitation will be Monday, October 14 from 5-8 pm and Tuesday, October 15 from 1 pm until the 3 pm service at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. Burial will follow at Florence Cemetery. Sam, or Uncle Sam, as he was affectionately referred to by family and many friends, was born in Harrisville, MS, March 3, 1922 to George Duncan and Ada Barlow Parker. Sam was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Maude Ellen, as well as his 3 brothers and his only sister. He is survived by two sons, Randy and wife, Ginger, of Brandon and Bob of Jackson and two grandchildren of whom he was most proud, Ellen and Jennifer. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many friends that were like family to him. Sam graduated from Harrisville High School, Co-Lin Jr. College and Mississippi State College in 1943 where he immediately joined the US Army after graduation and primarily served in the Pacific for the balance of the war. After returning from the war he later got his Masters from MS State. Soon after the war he married and ended up teaching and coaching in Florence. In the early 1950’s he advanced to be the Superintendent (referred to as principal today) of the Florence schools. Sam loved the town of Florence and was proud to tell anyone about its qualities. He was a long-time member of Marvin United Methodist Church and served his church in many capacities. Sam was a founding member of the Florence Lions Club. A two-time president of the great Little Dixie Conference, he was instrumental in the resurrection of all sports in Florence, especially basketball, where the gymnasium was later named in his honor as well as the street leading to the gym. In the 60’s his career took a new direction as Assistant Superintendent of Rankin County Schools, Assistant Superintendent of Madison County Schools and Interim Superintendent of Madison County Schools. He then moved to the State Department of Education in the early 70’s as Director of Chapter I and later Director of Federal Funds. He retired from public education in 1985. After retirement he served on the board of directors at the Hinds CC Rankin branch as well as the Region 8 Mental Health Branch. Sam was a huge MSU Bulldog fan, attending too many games to count over the years. Win or lose, he supported the Bulldogs any way he could. He was instrumental in the success of the MSU Alumni Association growth in Rankin County, as well as being involved in the founding of the MSU Bulldog Club in the 1970’s. We want to thank Peachtree Village Assisted Living Home in Brandon for the care they provided after he could no longer live in the home he so loved in Florence. In addition, as he neared the end the care he received from the VA Hospital in Jackson was just exceptional and so respective of his situation that we can’t thank them enough. In lieu of flowers, we would like to request donations be made to the National Alzheimer’s Foundation or Sam’s favorite charity, the Methodist Children’s Home in Jackson. Online guestbook may be signed at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com