Douglas Lamar Parker

Douglas Lamar Parker, age 85, of Midland City, Alabama, passed away on August 12, 2026, in the same town where he was born and spent much of his life. Born on March 17, 1941, in Midland City, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and faithful servant to his community. He lived a life marked by love, kindness, and devotion, and he will be remembered for the steady presence he brought to those around him.

Douglas spent his early years in Houston, Texas, before returning to Midland City in 1956. That move proved to be the beginning of a lifelong connection to the community he would come to serve so faithfully. He carried with him the values of hard work, responsibility, and respect for others, and those qualities shaped the way he lived each day. He was known for his strong work ethic and for the quiet, dependable way he met every obligation placed before him.

He devoted more than 39 years of his career to Dale County as an assistant engineer with the Road and Bridge Department. His work was steady and meaningful, and he took pride in doing his job well. After his long tenure with Dale County, he continued serving the people of his hometown by working for the City of Midland City for the last nine years of his career.

Douglas was also a faithful member of Midland City Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer for more than 25 years. He was a man who believed in doing what was right, and he carried that belief into both his church life and his daily life.

Family was the great joy of Douglas’s life, and he was very proud of each member of it. He was preceded in death by his wife, Twylia Parker, and by his parents, Henry and Louise Parker. He is survived by his son, Doug Parker (Tina); his grandchildren, Hayden Ridge Parker (Jodie Lynn), Gavin Goss, and Melyssa Cochran (Ryan); and his great-grandchildren, Easton Goss, Elaina Goss, Carter Cochran, and Cooper Cochran. He is also survived by his brother, Benjamin William Parker of Richmond, Texas; his sister, Shirley Rose Dean of Katy, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his family dearly, and he especially cherished his grandson. His love for them was evident in the way he spoke of them, cared for them, and celebrated their lives.

Those who knew Douglas will remember his warm heart, his loving nature, and the kindness he extended so freely to others. He enjoyed playing poker with close friends and family, and those times were often filled with laughter, fellowship, and good memories. He also enjoyed fishing throughout the Midland City area, where he found peace in simple pleasures and the quiet beauty of the outdoors. He was a gifted storyteller whose words could hold an audience with spellbinding intensity, and his stories brought joy to many who had the privilege of hearing them.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11am at Midland City Methodist Church with Pastor Ray Kelly officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30am until 11am on Saturday. Following services, he will be laid to rest by his wife in Midland City Cemetery.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Roger Friend, Brett Brockett, Brad Brockett, Arvin McCathern, Jr., Ryan Cochran, and Phillip Parker.