Dr. Melvin Selby Parker Sr., 86, a native of Vicksburg, passed away peacefully at his home on March 2, 2021.
Some may remember him as the little Red Headed Boy known as (Sonny) on Old Mill Road. Dr. Selby Parker came from humble beginnings and worked hard to create a successful life for himself and his family. He started with receiving his doctorate of education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Selby continued to serve in the U.S. Navy and pursued a career as chief of vocational rehabilitation and counseling for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Selby later retired with over 33 years of service to veterans and their dependents. He was also the author of several books and newspaper articles. However, Dr. Selby Parker, Sr. was not all work, he loved traveling with his wife to Florida to visit their dear friends, and he never missed a Mississippi State football game. Dr. Selby Parker, Sr. was known for his friendly nature and was a firm believer that a stranger is just a friend that you have not met yet. He loved to get to know people and hear their stories, as well as, share a few stories of his own.
Dr. Selby Parker, Sr. is survived by his much-loved sister, Barbara Ramsay. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin J. Parker and Sadie Parker, and his wife, Ruby Fay Lyons Parker.
Ruby Fay Lyons Parker was a loving wife to Dr. Selby Parker, Sr. for 53 years, and they had four children: Leigh Kelly, Leslie Hydro, Lisa Parker, and Selby Parker, Jr. He had a daughter-in-law, Amanda Parker and son-in-law, Andy Hydro. Dr. Selby's cherished wisdom, supportive nature, and kind-hearted spirit will be long remembered by his nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A prayer from the family:
"With our father we always knew we were wanted, loved, and supported. We were very loved by our father, grandfather and great-grandfather. May God bless our dad now in the arms of the heavenly father. Amen."
Sadly, due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will not be held, but we ask those who wish to honor him to listen to his favorite ballad "Danny Boy" and to read his favorite poem "Crossing the Bar" written by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.