Selby Parker Jr.

Melvin “Selby” Parker Jr. of Clinton, Mississippi, age 55, entered his heavenly home and met his Savior on September 19, 2026. Selby was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 26, 1971. He was affectionately known as “Little Selby” by his parents and siblings. Selby accepted Jesus into his heart and was baptized at Woodland Hills Baptist Church many years ago.

Selby spent the majority of his childhood years in Keithville, Louisiana, where he often shared how much he loved living in the country and having lots of land to run and play on with his three sisters. He and his family moved to Clinton in 1984. He had many fond memories of his visits to Vicksburg, MS, to visit his very large family and make memories with his cousins. He began attending the Mississippi School for the Deaf his sophomore year of high school and graduated in 1990, and that is where he found his Deaf identity and learned American Sign Language. Although he had a full scholarship to Gallaudet University, he chose to go to Hinds Community College, where he earned his associate degree in drafting. He often discussed how thankful he was to have chosen not to attend Gallaudet because he never would have met his wife, Amanda. Selby worked in the private sector for a few years and then in various roles at the Mississippi School for the Deaf until he began working at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks in Jackson, Mississippi. He was employed with MDWFP for 20+ years and retired with 31 1⁄2 years from the state of Mississippi this past March. During his time at MDWFP, Selby worked in the print shop with various titles/roles. He loved his job and was proud to call MDWFP his place of employment. You would always see him in his camouflage button-down and his MDWFP polo or a Carhartt shirt.

Selby and Amanda’s first date to Outback Steakhouse was on November 7, 1998, and they were married almost exactly one year later on November 6, 1999. On the evening of their first date, Selby told Amanda, “You’re the woman I’m going to marry.” And he did. They knew they wanted to begin their family shortly after marriage, and God blessed them with that prayer and request. They remained in Clinton, Mississippi, so they could be near family and so their children would know their grandparents in Brandon, Clinton, Jackson, and Purvis, Mississippi. Selby and Amanda were not only husband and wife, but also the best of friends. You rarely saw one without the other. They enjoyed life together and often discussed their future plans as empty-nesters. They would have celebrated 27 years of marriage this November. Together, they have two children, Logan Elizabeth Parker, age 26, and Landon Selby Parker, age 21. Selby was a very proud Daddy and always supportive of his children in all of their endeavors.

Selby was also very proud of his Black Belt in Judo. He spent many years competing all across the country and was named state champion. A back injury ended his Judo career, but he continued to be passionate about sharing his knowledge and love for it with his wife and children. He would often perform some Judo moves on us “gently and playfully.” His hobbies were all things related to Mississippi State sports, especially football and baseball, NHRA racing with his two best friends, whom he always referred to as his “brothers,” and he recently discovered a passion for playing pickleball just for fun and exercise. When his kids were younger, he lived for their sporting events. Logan played soccer and then played volleyball throughout her school years and then at the collegiate level for two years. Landon played soccer for many years. He hung up his cleats in the 7th grade. Selby loved going on trips to the beach, whether it was just alone with Amanda or with the family. He was the sweetest, loving, most kind man who came across as very shy to many people, except those who were closest to him. Although he faced some difficult medical trials in his life the last few years, he always had a smile on his face. He was known for laughing often. Selby loved going to church at Pinelake, and he sometimes preferred watching online with the subtitles/captions. He loved the music at Pinelake and loved feeling the powerful speakers in the church where he could feel the beat. People may not know, but he loved music. Logan and Landon spent many mornings on the way to school listening to Johnny Cash, ’80s rock, and 106.7 on the radio station, and in his later years, he began listening to Christian music. Sometimes a song would play before he actually knew what was playing, and he could tell Amanda and the kids what song it was.

Selby and Amanda recently returned from a trip to the beach. They spent much time in the ocean, on the sand, and in the pool, having some sweet and deep discussions about marriage, kids, the future, life, struggles, frustrations, fears, medical anxiety, and other things that will stay with Amanda forever.

Selby is survived by his wife, Amanda H. Parker, of 26-plus years; their two children, Logan Elizabeth Parker (26) and Landon Selby Parker (21); his three siblings, Leigh Kelly (Jeff Tharpe), Lisa Parker, and Leslie Hydro (Andy). In addition to his blood relatives, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Patti Haguewood, and father-in-law, Stephen Haguewood; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ashlee and Bobby Flynt. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He came from a large extended family from Vicksburg, MS, on his maternal side and had many cousins, but the one that he kept in touch with the most, who showed up for him always, with whom he often texted about sports and family, and called his “brother,” was Tyson (Ty) King of Pensacola, Florida.

Selby was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Melvin Selby Parker, Sr., and his mother, Ruby Fay Lyons Parker of Clinton, Mississippi.

A memorial service will be held for Selby at the Clinton Pinelake at 201 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS, on Friday, October 9, 2026, with visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the memorial service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. In honor of Selby, if you would like to wear a Mississippi State shirt or something with Mississippi State colors, please do.

To honor Selby’s memory, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Mississippi Baptist Association of the Deaf (MBCD) Multicultural Ministries Department ATTN: MBCD P.O. Box 530 Jackson, MS 39205

and/or

ZERO Prostate Cancer, where your donation can go towards helping with the mental health of those who are struggling with mental health issues from a prostate cancer journey. Link provided: www.zerocancer.org

Amanda, Logan, and Landon would like to thank Avery Berg, Terri Ford, Wright & Ferguson of Clinton, Pinelake, and all of our family and friends who have been present with us through prayers and service during this time.

We leave you with these scriptures:

“For God So Loved the World that He Gave His Only Begotten Son and Whosoever believes in Him, Shall Not Perish, But Have Everlasting Life.” John 3:16 NLT

“The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT

“May the Lord bless and keep you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NLT