By VICKI BROWN
Fred E. “Ted” Parker, Former Mayor Pro Tempore of Walterboro, passed away on November 18, 2021, at the age of 87.
Parker retired on July 12, 2011, after more than 30 years of service on the Walterboro City Council.
Parker graduated from Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, and attended Presbyterian College. He served in the U.S. Army and then went on to graduate from The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He became president of Fred Parker Funeral Home, Inc., which is now ParkerRhoden Funeral Home, Inc.
Parker was a lifelong member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, and in his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his wife Brooke and family, and riding his HarleyDavidson.
For 18 years, Parker spent every morning at Hiott’s pharmacy with his friends, John Hiott, Ron Ordel, and Moultrie Plowden.
A witty man who enjoyed laughter and friendship, Parker will be missed by many.
Parker began his service on the Walterboro City Council in February 1981. During that time, he served as the Mayor Pro Tempore, sat on the Joint Railroad RightofWay Committee, and served on the city’s Airport and Finance Committees. Parker was also heavily involved in the creation of the Great Swamp Sanctuary, which is now known as the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary.
On June 14, 2011, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a resolution, to recognize and honor Councilman Fred E. “Ted” Parker for his service to the City of Walterboro and particularly for his dedication to the Walterboro City Council over three decades.
“Ted was my very close friend,” said Walterboro Mayor Bill Young. “He served on city council for 30 years. I served with him for 22 of those years. He brought a businessman's perspective and commonsense viewpoint to the council. He was an outstanding councilmember and a trusted advisor. Ted was a larger-than-life personality. He was one of a kind. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. All of us at the city of Walterboro are saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Brooke and their family. The city of Walterboro and South Carolina have lost a good man.”
