Rev. Archie L. Parker (“Pops”) was born on February 12, 1936 in Forest City, AR to Leether & Lee Parker and Waverly Bowen.  He was transitioned to glory on April 20, 2024.  In Arkansas, he had a pet pig (yes, a pig!), whose name was Betsey.  We’re told she followed him everywhere.

The family relocated to Akron, OH when he was 7 or 8 years old.  He began delivering newspapers and doing yard work for neighbors.  This was the beginning of his strong work ethic, which he later instilled in his sons.

As a teenager, he began working at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a pin-setter in the bowling alley.  Later, he worked maintenance in the tire plant, then moved on to become a highly respected employee in various positions.  He finally retired as Area Manager over Custodial Services, after 43 years of dedicated service.

He met and married the late Loretta Johnson Williams, and started his family.

In later years, he became a member of New Trinity M.B. Church, serving faithfully for over 25 years.  He was first an usher, then was ordained as a deacon, and accepted his ministry call there. Upon being licensed and ordained, he continued to share the gospel and love to all he met.

For many years, Rev. Parker led a Pastoral Care Prayer Team that ministered to and prayed for the sick and shut-ins, and the unsaved, everywhere they went.

He later joined World Harvest Christian Church to more closely support his son, Apostle Jerome Parker’s ministry. He earned an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from Friends International Christian University.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Leether Parker.

He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy of love, his wife of 23 years, Sara; sons, Jerome (Barbara), Alan (Belinda), Eric (Michelle), Daryl Brown (Cristina); step-son, Michael (Edyth); step-daughter, Tracey; grandchildren, Jerome Jr. (Marissa), Joshua, Chinna, Shanee (Romeo), Daniel (Camille), Amaris (Brandon), Rachelle, Jordan, Lorenzo, Noah, Nehemiah, Parker, Graciela, Sara Rose, Daryl (Britney); brothers-in-law, Ernest, Edward and Bruce Giddings; sisters-in-law, Lottie Giddings & Kimberly Ivery; special cousin, Jerry Williams; long-time friend, Lovell Walker, and 23 great grandchildren; his children-in-love, Michael (Stephanie) Davis, Ron (Sherlyn) Young, Ray (Angie) Leggett, Leonard Cozart, Willett Clark, and countless other relatives, friends and neighbors.