Joseph Donald "Don" Parker

Joseph Donald Parker, 82 years old, of Metter, GA, passed away peacefully at the Azalea Health and Rehabilitation Center on March 28, 2026. Don was born in Statesboro, GA, in 1943, to his parents, Guy Sr. and Essie Mae Parker. He spent most of his life as a resident of Metter and would proudly proclaim to everyone that “Everything is Better in Metter”. Don attended Metter High School where he excelled on the football team and served as Co-Captain. Don worked for many years for the Candler County Road Department, scraping the dirt roads to keep them serviceable for the community. He was a long-time member of the Cedar Street Baptist Church in Metter, GA.

One of his greatest passions was fishing. There were very few waterways in the Southeast that he did not have a story to tell of catching a “Hawg” or his success stories of winning a fishing tournament. He also loved to hunt, playing cards, and watching his beloved Metter Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Southern Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons in football. Don also enjoyed rooting on the Atlanta Braves. He frequently traveled with his good friend, Fay Oliver, to support and enjoy watching their favorite Gospel performers throughout the area.

In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his wife of many years, Peggy Jean Parker, and a brother, Gene Parker. Surviving are his daughter, Michelle Mosley (Clint), Statesboro, GA, son, Jerry Coleman (Rachel), Saint Helena Island, SC, grandchildren, Brittany Tapley, Statesboro, GA, Ryan Coleman (Miranda), Highlands Ranch, CO, Reagan Coleman, Dacula, GA, Bailey Price, Statesboro, GA, Heston Mosley, Jacksonville, FL, great grandchild, Jack Coleman, Highlands Ranch, CO, brother, Wallace (Harriett) Parker, Augusta, GA, brother, Guy Parker Jr., Metter, GA, and a sister, Gloria Adams (Stewart), Chula, GA.

The funeral service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at the Cedar Street Baptist Church, Metter, GA. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service at 11:00 a.m., and burial will be held after the service at the Lake Cemetery, Metter, GA. Pall Bearers for the service are Michael Parker, Jeff Adams, TJ Dixon, Wally Paker, Ray Wallace and Austin Purvis.

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