Roy Allen Parker

Roy Allen Parker, age 84, of Bryant, formerly of Camden, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025. He was born February 15, 1941, in Joan, Arkansas to the late Wiley Franklin and Dannie Artema (Bridges) Parker. He left behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that has changed the hearts of many throughout his lifetime.

Roy’s greatest legacy is ultimately his family. He loved his wife, Laura, with steadfast devotion and found deep pride in his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. “Dad”, “Pops”, and “Gramps” were titles he treasured, as evidenced by the proud and humorous stories that filled most of his conversations. Roy was a lifelong fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the L.A. Dodgers, willing to lose sleep for a game-but only if his team was winning.

A proud veteran, Roy served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963, a period during which he demonstrated his commitment to his country and ultimately found Jesus Christ. Following his military service, Roy answered his call to ministry, preaching at various churches across Texas and Arkansas from 1963 until his retirement in 2009. Bro. Roy cherished his congregations deeply. To those he served, he was not only a pastor but a friend, a welcoming hug, and a joyful presence whose life reflected the heart of Jesus.

Roy graduated from Fairview High School in Camden, Arkansas. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University and later received his master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Roy proudly taught history early in his career in Orange, TX and later thrived, after retirement, as a substitute teacher/gramps at Central Texas Christian School in Temple, TX.

Roy will be remembered for his unwavering faith and his deep love for people. Countless lives were changed because he graciously opened his home, gave freely of his time and resources, prayed without ceasing, and continually shared the hope found only in Jesus. Because Roy’s one true love was his Lord and Savior, his legacy will live on for generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his precious wife, Laura Louise (Loper) Parker; and siblings, Carl Lynch, Mattie, Frankie Mae, Mary Francis, Wiley Ruffin, Tobie Lee, Herbert Franklin, Emma Artema “Polly”, Leonard Hardy, and Edward Melton.

Roy is survived by his children, Norman Richard Hogg, Michael Lance Parker (Amanda), and Jon Mark Parker (Lora); grandchildren, Joshua Hogg (Christine), Madi Parker, Rylie Parker (Sam Chavez), J.T. Parker, Michael Parker, Emma Parker, Lenzie Newman, and Lexie Sims (Adam); great-grandchild, Rowan Chavez; and siblings, Eli Algie “Rusty”, Johnnie Lou, and Billy Charles.

Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29, at Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Joan. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hematology Oncology Family Fund at archildrens.org/donate or by calling 800-880-7491.

Arrangements are by Smith Family Funeral Home-Arkadelphia/Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel, www.smithfamilycares.com.