THOMAS GUY PARKER, SR.

COX FUNERAL HOME

BASTROP, LOUISIANA

Thomas Guy Parker, known by everyone as Guy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024 at Glenwood Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side.  He was born February 11, 1942 in Bastrop, Louisiana to Robert Felix Parker and Gladys Ophelia Parker.  

A proud graduate of Mer Rouge High School and Northeast Louisiana University, Thomas earned a pre-medical degree, but his true passion led him down a different path.  His love for agriculture and the land called to him, and he became a dedicated cotton farmer, a role he cherished deeply.  While his dreams of becoming a doctor were set aside, his life was filled with purpose, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Guy's life was also shaped by his long and loving marriage to his high school sweetheart and best friend, Betty Jane Harper Parker.  Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.  Their bond was unbreakable, and they remained at other's side for 59 years until the Lord called on him.

In addition to his passion for farming, Guy worked for over 30 years in the accounting department at International Paper Company, where his dedication and strong work ethic made a lasting impact on his colleagues and the company.  Upon retirement, Guy turned his attention to his love of research, particularly genealogy, and became well known for his skill and knowledge in tracing family histories.   He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity, and his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.   

 Guy is preceded in death by Robert and Gladys Parker, TJ Parker, Billy Parker, William Hugh Parker, Roberteen Parker Johnson, and Carol Parker Rogers.

He is survived by his wife Betty Parker, son,  Dr. Thomas Parker and his wife Cynthia, and their five children, Andrew, Jack, Cole, Ella Kate, and Sam;  his daughter,  Rachel Parker Combetta and her husband Dr. Jeffrey Combetta, and their two daughters, Hailey and Katelyn and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be held at Cox Funeral Home in Bastrop, Louisiana, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM The funeral service will follow on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the funeral home chapel with Bro. Walt Brown officiating.   Committal services and interment will be at the Mer Rouge Cemetery under the direction of Cox Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers are Sam Parker, Cole Parker, Jack Parker, Dr. Jeffrey Combetta, Scott Boies, Bob Boies, Mike Tubbs, and Ted Parker.  Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Parker, Wayne Adcock, Billy Johnson, and Charles Evans.  

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to First Baptist Church, Bastrop, Louisiana or Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, reflecting Guy's spirit of kindness and generosity.  

Thomas Guy Parker's life was one of love, hard work, and service to others.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  May his soul rest in peace, forever in the hearts of his family and friends.