Zachary Steven Parker

Zachary Steven Parker was born October 30, 1993 in Bossier City, Louisiana and passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2025 in Benton, Arkansas. He was 32 years old. From the beginning, Zach was a fighter. Born premature with a hole in his lung, he was moved to the NICU and expected to be transported to another state for treatment. But in true Zach fashion, he not only rallied but overcame and thrived.

Zach loved all sports and modeled allegiance to the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Saints, and all things Florida State. If there was one thing that Zach quickly dismissed it was a bandwagon jumper. Zach was also a self-proclaimed fantasy football guru with more than sufficient evidence to support his claim, including multiple championships. He was also an avid card collector, doubtless inspired by his special relationship with his maternal grandfather, affectionately known as Paw-Paw.

Zach was a proud graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a double major in political science and mass communication and a minor in journalism. While at OBU, he was a devoted member of The Men of Kappa Chi. This group of young men have maintained and preserved a connection that served as a source of encouragement to Zach and countless others. In an age of callous individualism, their bond is an inspiration to many. Zach was a gifted and curious villager, seeking to facilitate and celebrate meaningful connections between people.

Zach was a maestro with words and phrases and could weave his thoughts and ideas into both cohesive and persuasive prose. He was also an outspoken opponent of the Oxford comma. This gift compelled and enabled his work at places as diverse as a daily newspaper and a public relations firm. He was especially proud to be a part of the ACDI team in Benton, Arkansas, finding not only a professional home but a tribe of like-minded and community-focused neighbors.

Zach served others through selfless generosity and tireless dedication to groups as diverse as these: Gamblers Anonymous (he would say after seven years of not placing a bet that it was a commitment that took one day at a time); Celebrate Recovery (he would gently remind us that we all struggle with hurts, hangups, and habits); and Holland Chapel Baptist Church (he regularly gathered with others to worship his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ).

Zach always seemed to have the most original ideas, the most articulate opinions, and the loudest laugh in whatever room he occupied.

Left to cherish Zach’s memory is his mother, Kimberley Leigh Baker. Zach spent countless hours with his Mom in conversation, laughter, and mutual encouragement. In recent years, they traveled together on adventures to Memphis, Nashville, and most recently, New York City. If you know Zach and his Mom, you might think the city that never sleeps met its match.

He is also survived by his Dad, Steven Parker, who loved to watch his brain formulate ideas and his hands extend in service to others. With every kiss on the cheek, his Dad would seek to convey how proud he was.

His oldest sister Emily enjoyed such a connection with Zach that he referred to her as his hero and insisted at her wedding that he was at least worthy of consideration of walking her down the aisle. Their bond remains eternal and his memory will also be cherished by Emily’s husband Tyler and her daughter Olivia, who will be regaled with countless stories of the legend of her Uncle Zach.

Zach is also survived by his loving stepmom, Angela, and two little sisters, Layla and Charlotte, who ache for just one more conversation about something as serious as their life choices or as silly as quoting multiple SpongeBob SquarePants episodes.

Additionally, Zach leaves behind his maternal grandmother, Granny, and his paternal grandfather, Grandpa as well as his Uncle Mike (Sheila), and his Uncle Erik and Aunt “Sue Sue”.

The best way to cherish Zach’s memory is to love fiercely, give generously, and support your team with unwavering loyalty.