Jerry Owen Parker

Jerry Owen Parker, born July 15, 1937, to C.O. and Winnifred (Yarbrough) Parker, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Jerry lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. He is survived by his children: Diane Hicks (Joe) of Jonesboro, AR; Scott Knight (Stephanie) of Camden, AR; and Michelle Rice (Bud) of Camden, AR. His grandchildren include Jessica Baker (Jon) of Jonesboro, AR; Leia Hickmott (Lee) of El Dorado, AR; Baylie Self (Connor) of Locust Bayou, AR; Clay Singleton (Lauren) of El Dorado, AR; Ryan Parker of South Dakota; Crystal Parker of Austin, TX; Jordan Knight (Cara) of Little Rock, AR; Morgan Heath (Austin) of Tempe, AZ; and Carrington Knight of Tomball, TX. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and one brother, Robert Parker of Camden, AR.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Tony Blake Parker and Bruce Randall Parker; and by his wives, Elissa (Clamon) Parker, with whom he shared 54 devoted years, and Virginia Parker, with whom he shared 9 years.

Jerry’s faith was the foundation of his life. He was an active member of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas; a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas; and a former deacon and trustee at Cullendale First Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas. His love for worship led him to serve as interim music minister at Cullendale First Baptist, Hillside Baptist Church, and Elliott Baptist Church, where he shared both his talent and his heart for music. He was also a proud member of the Master Singers, a ministry he dearly cherished.

A 1955 graduate of Fairview High School, Jerry later attended Henderson State University. He built a successful career as manager, CEO, and owner of Parker Electric Supply, Inc., where he was remembered for his strong work ethic, leadership, and integrity.

Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his deep love for his family, his commitment to serving others, and his gentle and devoted nature. He was one of a kind—able to draw complete strangers in as friends and always eager to share his faith in Jesus Christ. His life was a testament to kindness, service, compassionate caregiving, and the joy of praising the Lord.

A Celebration of Life/Memorial  will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 in the Family Life Center of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. A graveside service and burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Bethesda Cemetery in Camden, Arkansas. Both services will be officiated by Scott Knight. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the future church plant in Columbia, Missouri through Central Baptist Church.