He is survived by his son, Zachary (34), and his daughter, Hannah (27). The illness was a recent shock, which progressed rapidly, but the family is thankful to have shared some final time with Steve before his passing. They are profoundly moved by the loving support of friends from around the world.
Steve was born August 21, 1955, to Edward and Loretta Parker and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the oldest of 4 children: Susan, Sharon, and Jill. His time in St. Louis instilled in him a love of sports and music, which he maintained throughout his life. Steve attended Baylor University where he studied sociology, played soccer, and developed meaningful life-long friendships. He liked to bend the rules…and he was good at not getting caught.
Steve later completed in Ph.D. in Sociology at Indiana University, while also coaching the women’s soccer team. He began his career as a professor at Ole Miss University, moving next to the University of Southern Mississippi, and finally coming to the University of Montevallo where he would teach for over 25 years. Upon his retirement, he was named a “professor emeritus” for his service to the university. Throughout his life, he also continued coaching soccer in a variety of capacities, forming many bonds that he would cherish forever. In 1986, Steve married Sydne Stone, the two of them remaining married for 19 years.
In addition to his teaching and coaching, Steve also spent years leading Sunday School classes, overseeing church youth group activities, and occasionally offering sermons. He was a father, teacher, coach, friend, and mentor who impacted the lives of countless people over the years. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures and cared deeply about everything he was involved in.
To honor and celebrate Steve’s life, there will be a memorial service at University Baptist Church in Montevallo, AL at 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations towards a scholarship fund being created in honor of Dr. Stephen Parker. Donations can be offered at this website: montevallo.edu/give/annual-giving
“I gave up the fast lane, for a blacktop county road…”
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