Don Parker

Mr. Harold Donnan "Don" Parker, Sr. 83, of Hampton died Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at the home of his son on Turner Expressway near Varnville.

Mr. Parker was born February 2, 1937 in Hampton, a son of the late William James "Bill" Parker and Mae Reeves Parker.  He was a self-employed contractor and was a member of the Hardees Breakfast Club.  Don had been a life-long member of Hampton First Baptist Church and had served in the Air Force.  He was an avid collector of wild and exotic animals, his pride being Bubba, the bear that he raised from a cub.  After 17 years Don donated Bubba to the Charles Towne Landing Animal Zoo where he is still thriving.

Surviving are his sons:  Harold D. "Chuck" Parker, Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Nixville and Bill Parker and wife Tabitha of Hampton; daughter:  Greta Parker of Hampton; sister:  Jane Raben of Ellijay, Georgia; grandchildren:  Justin Parker and wife Sydney, Brianna Parker, Hallie Collins, and Hayden Collins; and special friend:  Susan Allen of Hampton.  Don was predeceased by his parents; his wife Emily Yvonne Ayer Parker; sister Edith Vincent; and a granddaughter Nadia Lane Parker Collins.

A private burial will take place Friday at the Crocketville Cemetery with a memorial service following at Hampton First Baptist Church at 3 PM.

Visitation will begin at 2 PM prior to the service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, 300 Mulberry Street West, Hampton, SC 29924 to assist the family with funeral expenses.

The family will be at the home of Liz Parker's mother's home located at 1943 Turner Expressway near Varnville.