Joe Parker

Mr. Joseph Stewart Parker, Sr. Longtime Editor of The Dallas New Era Passes

Mr. Joseph Stewart Parker, Sr., age 71, passed away January 11, 2016, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Mr. Parker was born April 13, 1944 in Dallas, Georgia, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward (Edna Meadows) Parker, Sr. A lifelong resident of Dallas, Paulding County, Georgia, he worked at The Dallas New Era for 55 years, taking great pride in the news, articles, and pictures that were published weekly. He served as Editor for many years. Joe graduated from Dallas High School in 1962. His favorite pastimes included playing football, especially at DHS with dear friends and taking pictures on the sidelines at football games on Friday nights. He enjoyed taking pictures at countless sporting events and photographed many family and friends anniversaries and weddings.

Joe met Leola Turner Todd and they were married on January 12, 1973, at the home of dear friends, Clarence and Elsie Cole. Together they had 7 children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather (Po), son, brother, uncle, and a loyal friend to many. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Dallas where he attended the Joshua Sunday School Class, and the Dallas Lions Club. He received hundreds of Public Service awards over the years and they are proudly hung in The Dallas New Era. A humble, gentle giant, who dedicated his life to the people of Paulding County and loved serving this great community.

Leaves to cherish his memories are his wife of 43 years, Leola T. Parker, Dallas; children, Travis Todd, K. C. (Judith) Todd, Mindi Bennett, Jolee (Jason) Kitchen, Suzanna Olds, and Stewart (Michelle) Parker; grandchildren, Melissa, Kelly, Jeremy, Todd, Jackson, Cameron, Addison, Nicholas, Philip, Holly, Nathan, Brooke, Blaine, Jessica, Makenzie, Parker, Madeline, Lanna, Rylan, Stella Jo and Tripp; several great-grandchildren; sister, Edwina (Stumpy) Cohran, Dallas; brother, Russ (Jane) Parker, Douglasville; sisters-in-law, Donna (Wesley) Johnson and Helen (Mike) Michael; many special nieces and nephews and a host of faithful friends.

In addition to his loving parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Farah Todd Barber and beloved brothers, Michael David “Mike” Parker and infant Thomas Edward Parker, Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 4:00pm from First Baptist Church Dallas with Rev. Jeremy Lundy, Mayor Boyd Austin, and Judge Bill Foster officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 3:00pm until the time of service.

Clark Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.