Frederick Everett “Ted” Parker
Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home
Frederick Everett “Ted” Parker, 87, of Walterboro, SC, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2021, at his residence.
The eldest son of the late David Frederick Parker and Mary Frances Everett Parker, Ted was born November 7, 1934 at the Charles Es’Dorn Hospital in Walterboro, SC. He is survived by his wife of almost 33 “grand and glorious” years, Nancy Brooke Price Parker of the home; two loving daughters, Kathleen Carter “Kacee” Parker Lominack (Andrew) of Greenville, SC, and Mary Caroline “Cara” Parker Hardy (Kevin), of Lexington, SC. Ted is also survived by Brooke’s two loving sons, Henry Caleb Sauls III (Lacy), and Riley Ackerman Sauls (Veronica), both of Charleston, SC, as well as five grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud: Hampton Blalock “Hamp” Lominack, Carter Everett “Rett” Lominack, Mary Madison Hardy, Caleb McCullough Sauls and Emma Grey Sauls. He is also survived by a brother, Dr. John Ellis Parker (Carol Malone), of Columbia, SC, a nephew, David Frederick Parker II (Elizabeth) of Elgin, SC, a niece, Allison Parker Mays (Vernon) of Richmond, VA, and two great-nephews, George Logan Parker of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Cameron Everett Parker of Blair, SC.
Ted is a graduate of Darlington School (Rome, GA) and attended The Citadel and Presbyterian College (Clinton, SC). He is a graduate of The Cincinnati College of Embalming, Class of 1956. After serving in the United States Army for two years, he earned an honorable discharge and returned to his native Walterboro where he was the president of Fred Parker Funeral Home, Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, and Lowcountry Rental Center for 43 years. Throughout his career in the funeral business, he was known for his uncanny ability to help countless families during their time of grief. Also active in civic and professional affairs, Ted spent 30 years on Walterboro City Council, where he served one term as mayor pro tempore of the City of Walterboro, was a member of the Joint Railroad Right of Way Committee, Finance Committee, Great Swamp Sanctuary Committee, in addition to serving two terms on the Walterboro-Colleton County Airport Commission. He was a past board member of the South Carolina Municipal Association, the Colleton County Resource and Development Board, and the Colleton County Rescue Squad, for whom he was a charter member. He was a lifelong member of Unity Lodge #55 A.F.M. and Scottish Rite as well as a former member of the Coastal Shrine Club, Omar Temple, Walterboro Lions Club and The Order of the Eastern Star.
Ted was a licensed solo pilot and often flew to Columbia to see the University of South Carolina Gamecocks play football or to Bimini, Bahamas, to fish and participate in the occasional limbo competition. He enjoyed fishing and duck hunting among the landscape of the lowcountry and waters of the ACE Basin. Other beloved pastimes included riding his Harley-Davidson and savoring an occasional ride around town in his 1962 Ford Thunderbird convertible. After retirement, he delighted in his morning routine of meeting up with “the guys” at Hiott’s Pharmacy to have coffee and solve “the problems of the world.”
Spending time with family and friends were among his cherished priorities in life. While in his formative years, Ted spent many summers with his mother and brother at the family home in Saluda, North Carolina, which brought him great joy and where he made many lasting friends. Later in life, he relished numerous gatherings at their home on Edisto Island, humorously named “Rest. In. Peace.” as a nod to his professional career in the funeral business. For many years, Ted was a member of the Dogwood Hills Country Club and Edisto Island Yacht Club, where he treated many family members to lunch, especially on “.50 hot dog days.”
Ted had a beautiful voice and a lifelong love of music which led him to become a member of the chorus at an early age, under the direction of D.M. Buckner and, in adulthood, the Bethel Presbyterian Church choir. For many years, he joined the Bethel United Methodist Church choir at Christmastime to sing Handel’s “Messiah.” Additionally, he was famous for singing “Happy Birthday” to friends and family around the country and spontaneously breaking out into his own rendition of “Blue Moon,” which mesmerized folks far and wide. Ted had an unparalleled zest for life and a contagious spirit that led strangers to instantly become friends whenever he asked, “Where y’all from?” In short, Ted loved life, and it seemed to love him back.
The family is especially thankful for the assistance of his lifelong friend, Moultrie D. Plowden, and his hospice nurse Heather with Amedisys, who made it possible for him to transition peacefully in the comfort of his own home, on his own terms. Furthermore, the family is thankful for the many years of care given to him by his doctor, Joseph Flowers.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 22 at 11 am at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Walterboro, with interment immediately following the service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 am in Douglas Hall of Bethel Presbyterian Church. Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Pallbearers include: Henry Caleb Sauls III, Riley Ackerman Sauls, Andrew Blalock Lominack, Kevin Thomas Hardy, David Frederick Parker II, George Logan Parker and Cameron Everett Parker. Honorary Pallbearers include: Robert Baggett, Chris Bickley, The Honorable Perry M. Buckner III, John Hiott, Dr. John Ellis Parker, Bob Mackey, Moultrie DeLorme Plowden, Ron Ordel, Leddy Smith, Dr. Diedreich Petermann Von Lehe, Jr., Cam Werntz and The Honorable Bill Young.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 403 Church Street, Walterboro, SC 29488.
