ANDREW PARKER BRELAND's 14-year adventure began on August 18, 2001. Life, for Parker, was the pursuit of joy with his family, his friends, and his God. His infectious wit and enthusiasm brightened the spirits of all he encountered, and this world has become a little dimmer, a little paler, and a little quieter with his departure. Parker is beloved and remembered for his merry heart. A joyous spirit, a gift for tender compassion, and a penchant for finding humor in every situation endeared him to all.

The son of John and Andrea Breland, Parker is brother to Barrett, Anna and Grant Breland. He is the paternal grandson of G.W. and Wanda Breland of Perkinston, Mississippi; his maternal grandparents are J.V. and JoAnn Hartfield of Purvis, Mississippi. Most importantly, Parker is a child of the Heavenly Father. He trusted Christ as his Savior on June 6, 2013 and developed a wonderful testimony of Christian growth through his enthusiastic participation in FBC Youth activities and his daily dedication to personal prayer and discipleship.

Extracurricular activities were important to Parker. He enjoyed Scouting, swimming, singing, camping, hunting and traveling. Most of all, he loved the Ambassadors Show Choir and considered it his "second family."

Parker's life touched people around the world. Although Clinton was Parker's "home base," he lived in Egypt for two years during his family's assignment as missionaries. True to form, he made life-long friends there who also grieve his untimely passing.

Today we celebrate a life well-lived, we mourn the tragic accident that took Parker from us, and we anticipate the day when we will see him again. For this we know: on the day we arrive in heaven, we will recognize Parker by his beaming smile and by the multitude of new friends he will have gathered around him.