Joe Parker

Joe W. Parker, MAI, CRE, FRICS, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.  He was born on August 19, 1948, in Newton, Mississippi. Joe was proceeded in death by his parents, Willie and Ilene Hollingsworth Parker; and sisters, Sharron Parker, Bernice McConnell, Irene Fenton and Johnnie Grigsby.  He is survived by his wife, Rita; brother Bill Wilson; two sons, Barry and wife Crissy Parker, and Neil and wife Kathy Parker; four grandchildren, Morgan, Evan, Gavin and Abbey; and one great grandson, Asher.

Joe was the president of Parker, Gentry and Parker, Inc., a real estate appraisal firm located in Brandon.  He was a Realtor and Real Estate Appraiser and had been involved in real estate for over 40 years.  Joe graduated from Central High School in Jackson in 1966, served in the United States Marine Corp, and graduated college from Thomas Edison University.

While serving at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Joe was exposed to contaminated water.  This caused the cancer that eventually led to his death.  Exposure occurred from the 1950’s through the 1980’s to people living and working on the base.  While Joe did not want this known while he was alive, he wished to let others know after his death, hoping that it may bring help to others suffering.

Joe was helped through his illness by many doctors, friends and family.  He wanted to give a special thanks to Dr. Linda Allee, Dr. Marie Rapaii, Dr. Srdan Verstovsek, Debbie Boyd, Marilyn Hales, and Malinda Scarborough.

Visitation will be Monday, March 22, 2021, from 1:00 to 2:45 at Oakdale Baptist Church, 1872 Highway 471, Brandon, MS  39047.  Services will follow at 3:00 P.M. at Oakdale.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakdale Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5839, Brandon, MS  39047; or The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.