James Parker Hall

Born on September 18, 1939 to Sidney and Lela Hall in Camden, Tenn., James Parker Hall grew up as a country boy with no water or electricity until 1950. He enjoyed being in the army. Joining in 1957, he was stationed at Ft. Gordan, GA for training. His first duty station was to Germany where he met Elvis. He was then in Ft. Knox, KY and Leadville, CO for several classified assignments. While stationed in CO, he married the love of his life Patsy in May 1961. In March 1962, Parker and Pat welcomed their only child James Parker Hall II into the world. Also, while in CO is when he was given the nickname Hawkeye. After leaving CO, he took Pat and Jimmy to Tennessee while he was stationed in Korea for a year. Then after leaving Korea, he was then stationed in Leavenworth, KS till late 1966 before being sent back to Germany where his family was able to join him in 1967. Beginning a family love for Germany. While in Schweinfurt Germany, he worked with German police and communities where he was recognized for his efforts by the German government and local businesses. In 1969, Parker and his family returned to the states being stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC. In 1972, they built their family home in Columbia, SC. In 1973, he was reassigned to Ft. Leavenworth where he was assigned to the United States Army Disciplinary Barracks (Army prison). He was promoted 3 times. Last one was promoting him to an E8 which earned him a transfer to Mannheim Germany as 1st Sgt. of the 272nd MP company until his retirement from the Army in 1983. When he retired, they went to Tennessee to spend time with family until they realized they could not make a living in Tennessee and moved back to the family home in SC in February 1984. On March of 1984, Parker started at South Carolina Department of Corrections where he moved up the ranks very fast and retired as Captain in 2001. During his time there, he was involved in the capturing of 3 escapees where he apprehended 1 himself. While also working he was very supportive in Pat’s career of home health and taking in his Mother and Mother-In-Law until they passed.

Once he retired in 2001 he spent his time as a caretaker for his Mother-In-Law, helped with elderly neighbors, raising his grandkids and great-grandchildren and his wife. He enjoyed, fishing, watching his granddaughters and great granddaughter dance, watching football (Gamecocks), Atlanta Braves baseball and the Womens Gamecock basketball. He loved to travel, but most of all just enjoyed being around family. He was an avid Lottery Scratch off player, making sure he went and got his tickets at least once a day. Pat was the love of his life. They celebrated 63 years of marriage in May 2024. Once she passed in June of 2024 you could just tell he was heartbroken. While we are sad he is no longer with us here, we are happy that they are back together and hopefully square dancing and listening to Elvis together.

He is survived by his son, James Parker Hall II; grandchildren, Laura-Leigh Hall, James Parker Hall III (Breanna), Thomas J. Niles Hall, Caitla Jean Hall, Sydney Joann Hall (Ben); great-grandchildren, Aryana Michelle Hall, Eugene Scott Hall Rabon and JoAnna M. Jean Rabon; his older brother, William Green (WG) Hall and twin sister Mary Martha Ring; nephews who he helped raise, Michael, Jason and Terry Smith; along with other nieces, nephews and cousins, sisters and brothers in law he loved and cared about.

James is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and baby brother, Eulah Malcom Hall.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2024 in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.