Elvis Parker

Elvis Parker, 86, of Amarillo rejoiced in seeing His Savior face to face on Saturday January 31, 2015. A memorial service will be held at South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo, TX on Saturday February 7, 2015 at 2:00 PM with Pastors Marvin Knox, Mike Martin, and Bob Miller officiating. As the second of seven children, his days of youth were spent on the farm. The fascination of straightening bent nails and constructing something out of nothing soon developed into a life of carpentry. From building cabinets and office furniture to constructing completely finished houses, the skills of a master carpenter quickly became evident in Elvis life. On July 19, 1950, he married Esther Faries. Soon after their marriage, he professed Jesus as his Savior. He was baptized into the membership of First Baptist Church, Perryton, TX. Nine years later, he was ordained as a deacon at Perryton and his spiritual gift of service became the backdrop for many years of faithful ministry. Elvis did the construction work on a mission of First Baptist Church in northwest Perryton. As a result, he and his family helped begin the work that would soon become known as Key Heights Baptist Mission. On July 12, 1964, with the blessing and encouragement of FBC, Perryton, the mission was organized into a church. In 1981, his servant heart led him and Esther to Floydada to help care for his ailing parents. Elvis legacy of faith was always solidified by his allegiance to the local church. When his physical address changed, so did his church membership. So in 2000 when he and Esther moved to Amarillo, their church membership was immediately moved to South Georgia Baptist Church. His hearts desire was to bring glory to God and to bless others around him including providing a handyman ministry to widows Other examples of his work include multiple building mission trips locally, in other states, and Mexico. His most recent highlight is when God used him on a mission trip to Alaska at age 82. A hand-crafted, wooden cross hangs in the baptistery at South Georgia Baptist Church. It is one of many reminders of Elvis attention to detail, his work ethic, and the sharing of his gifts at church. He was characterized by his honesty and integrity and was an encourager and a friend to many. He especially loved his pastors and cherished the opportunity to visit, work and fellowship with them. He was named as a Senior Deacon in 2011 at South Georgia Baptist Church and his retreat from actively serving as a deacon left yet another legacy. He had served as a deacon in all five of the churches in which he was a member. He was the spiritual head of his home and a faithful patriarch to his family. His two sons and son-in-law are also ordained deacons. Elvis was preceded in death by his parents, his six siblings, three sisters, three brothers and a precious young granddaughter. He is survived by his wife, Esther, of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Pat Scarth of Amarillo; two sons and daughter- in-laws, Keith and Tina Parker of Midland, TX and David and Brenda Parker of Tulsa, OK. Eight grandchildren; Shelly and husband Eric Hough of Gordon, TX, Justin and wife Erin Scarth of Austin, TX, Kellie and husband Kevin Burns of Midland, Kyle and wife Elizabeth Parker of Houston, TX., Kendall and husband Tyler Thomas of Carrollton, TX, Stephen and Lindy Parker of Midland, TX and Jeffrey Parker of Dallas, TX. Ten great-grandchildren; Brenden, Heather and Nathan Hough of Gordon, TX, James Parker and Nicholas Scarth of Austin, TX, Kenedi, Kolter, Kingsley and Kutter Elvis Burns of Midland, TX, and Emma Parker of Houston, TX. In keeping with Elvis' legacy of sharing Christ both in word and deed, the family requests donations be sent to Mission of Love in Zambia, Africa. Mission of Love is an orphanage built and a ministry maintained by his niece, Amber and Jako Joubert. Contributions may be sent to: Mission of Love Community Orphanage, c/o Geary Jarrett, 11919 Keating Drive, Tampa, FL 33626-2531.