Edward B. "Eddie" Parker

Edward Blois Parker (Eddie), 91, of St. Simons Island, Ga., died Thursday, September 17, 2015, at his residence. He was born February 12, 1924, the son of William Hyde and Mary Elizabeth Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, William Wright Parker, and his sister, Mary Parker Thompson.

Mr. Parker, a lifelong resident of Glynn County, graduated from Glynn Academy in 1941 and the University of Georgia in 1945, where he was president of Sigma Chi social fraternity.

In 1950, he co-founded Parker-Helms Supply Inc. After 44 years of successful operations, he sold the business in 1994.

He was a member of the Young Men’s Club in Glynn County and was instrumental in their affiliation with the Jr. Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). He was very active in the Jaycee organization and held virtually every leadership position, including local president (1950-51), state president (1957-58), and international director/senator #300. He was named Glynn County’s “Outstanding Young Man of the Year” in 1953.

Mr. Parker was very civic-minded and involved in his local community, volunteering many hours with service organizations and actively managing many political campaigns on the local, state, and national level.

He served as President of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce for the 1980-81 term. In 1987, he received the Alfred W. Jones Award for outstanding service and leadership to Brunswick and the Golden Isles.

He was an active member of St. William’s Catholic Church and a Life Member of the Elk’s Lodge 691. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Brunswick Rotary Club, Escort’s Club, Glynn County Supper Club, Brunswick Country Club and Sea Island Golf Club.

Mr. Parker is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patti Girardeau Parker; a daughter, Lori Parker; a son, Jim Parker, and wife Becky; two granddaughters, Heather and Ashley Traylor; and two grandsons, James and William Parker, all of St. Simons Island. He is also survived by his sister, Katharine Parker Thompson, and husband Ken, of Brunswick; along with many nieces and nephews.

Active pallbearers include his nephews, William W. Parker, Jr., Harry B. Parker, Joseph J. Parker, Kenneth R. Thompson, Jr., William R. Thompson, and Dr. Stephen J. Thompson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Winn Baker, Jack Jenkins, Dr. Mitchell Jones, Willie Joe Pinkney, Bob Snow, M.H. “Woody” Woodside, John Lang, Mason Stewart, and members of the Glynn County Supper Club.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2015, at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2015, at St. Francis Xavier Church, with Father Timothy McKeown officiating. Burial will follow at Palmetto Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eddie’s memory to St. Francis Xavier Church, St. William Church, Hospice of the Golden Isles, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.