Parker Conrad Linder

COLUMBIA - A memorial service for Parker Conrad “Parkie” Linder, 2, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

Born in Columbia, SC, on January 9, 2021, he was the son of Conrad Gene Linder and Jessica Ford Linder. Parkie passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023 at home, in his parents’ arms. Parkie bravely fought neuroblastoma for 17 months, before his little body could fight no more.

Parkie is survived by his loving parents, Conrad and Jessica Linder; maternal grandmother, Ruthie Ford; paternal grandparents, Philip and Ellen Linder; aunts and uncles, Anna Ford, Jennifer Allen (Chris), Gabrielle Poole (Anthony), Philip Linder (Mary Beth); and four loving cousins Emerson, William, Michael, and Samuel Poole.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Bill Ford.

Parkie was surrounded by a loving, caring, and supportive medical team throughout his treatment at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands, Medical University of South Carolina, and Children’s Hospital of Atlanta. Parkie loved so many members of his medical team-who became like family over the last year and a half. We are forever grateful to Parkie’s doctors who worked tirelessly to help him face every challenge along the way. We are especially grateful to his primary oncologist, Dr. Laura Pirich, who not only took amazing care of Parkie but also of his parents.

Parkie loved all things music, landscaping, trash trucks, soft blankies, and could always be found with at least one of his raffes (giraffe loveys) in hand. He loved cleaning and taking walks with his mama and watching all ball games with his dada. Parkie had the sweetest soul, loved to laugh and dance, and was almost always able to find joy in even the toughest situations. He was the bravest fighter his parents have ever known; they could not be prouder or more honored to be his.

When thinking of Parkie, his parents think of M.H. Clark’s words:

And you belong right here, where you're home,

and where I hold you close.

Of all the wonders I’ve ever known,

you’re the one I love the most…

And you are a dream that the world once dreamt

and now you are a part of its song.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Parkie’s honor to Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (childrenscancerpartners.org) or to Cole’s Victory Lap (colesvictorylap.org).

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.