John Richard Parker, 82, of Columbia, died Thursday, February 14, 2019. Born in Sumter, SC on February 20, 1936, he was a son of the late John Shirley Parker and Nelle Louise Putnam Parker.

Growing up he lived on Church Street, spent his younger adult years keeping the books for numerous churches and became a member of the Holy Comforter Church. Mr. Parker was the owner of JR's Oil Company. He was on the Board of Directors and served as President of the Merchants Association and served in many other community organizations. Mr. Parker held offices in Rotary, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, and Kiwanis. He also served as a Probate Judge in the Sumter County Courthouse. After moving to Columbia, he joined St. Michael's and All Angels' Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry, Counting Team and as Bookkeeper for the Church and Day Care.

Survivors include his wife, Anita Thompson Parker, whom he married on July 13, 1985; children, Caroline Rhodes (Malcolm), Cathy Doss, Cecelia James, Caren Burnette (Andy), Jerry Burton; grandchildren, McNair Somheil (Chris), Molly Rhodes, Jonathan Doss, Katie Kopa (David), Matthew Burnette (Markie), Joshua Burnette (Amanda), and Robert James; great-grandchildren, Logan Burnette, Mattison Burnette, twins Seth and Sage Burnette, and Silas Burnette; brother, William P. Parker; nephews, Keith Parker (Dawn), Kevin Knight (Trisha); and niece, Kathy Melamed (David); great-nephews, Mark and Michael Melamed; cousins, Shirley Rawls, Jay Rawls (Ashley), Paula Walter (Ethan). Also surviving are numerous extended family members and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Parker will be held 2 o'clock, Wednesday, February 20th, at St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church, 6408 Bridgewood Road, Columbia, with the Rev. Fr. Charles Smith officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Memorial may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605; St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516; Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306; or to Help Heal Veterans, 36585 Penfield Lane, Winchester , CA 92596