Funeral services for Samuel Davis Parker of Cullman will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in the chapel at Moss Service Funeral Home, Abbot Marcus Voss and Elder Ricky Harcrow officiating. Visitation will be from noon until the service begins, and interment will follow at Fellowship Cemetery in the Springhill Community. Mr. Parker passed on Tuesday, March 29, following a lengthy decline in his health.
Sam was born on May 28, 1941, to Leldon and Thora Whitton Parker. He graduated from West Point High School and earned an A.B. from St. Bernard College (magna cum laude), a M.Ed. from Auburn University, and the Ed.D. from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. He served as associate professor, then professor, in the Education Department at St. Bernard College, later Southern Benedictine College, until its closure in 1978. At that time, he became an instructor at Wallace State Community College, teaching classes in psychology and sociology until his retirement in 2001.
Dr. Parker was the recipient of many awards and honors as a student and a professional, but the two of which he was most proud were the Gold Medal Award for Academic Achievement presented at the end of his senior year at St. Bernard and the five consecutive terms he was elected by his colleagues to serve as president of the Faculty Senate at St. Bernard. He was also proud to have been a part of the development of the St. Bernard Preparatory School, serving as the original Chairman of the Board of Directors during the initial phase of its opening. More recently, in June 2015, Dr. Parker was honored to have been presented with The Abbot Benedict Menges Medal for Outstanding Service by the St. Bernard Abbey and the St. Bernard Preparatory School. He was active in his community as well, serving as president of the Cullman Rotary Club in 1976.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jerry (Patricia) Parker and his nephew, Scott David Parker. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty M. Parker, and his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Davis and Annette Irons Parker.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a donation of food or supplies to the Cullman County Animal Shelter. If there is room in your heart and home, go to the shelter and adopt an animal. Those of you who knew Sam know of his love for all animals, especially of his love for dogs.
Sam was a great teacher and friend. He had a great personality, sense of humor and sharp wit. He was the kindest man... the best. He was loved dearly, and he is missed already.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mossservicefh.com for the Parker family.
