Melvin "MJ" L. Parker, Jr.

Obituary

Please Click Link Below to View the Live Streaming  of The Graveside Services for Mr. Melvin L. Parker on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 @ 2:00 PM

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/melvin-l-parker-jr

Melvin L. Parker Jr. “MJ” died on Monday, February 15, 2021. He was born on February 13, 1984 in Sumter, SC . MJ was a son of Rev. Brenda J. (Rev. Charlie) Thomas and Mr. Melvin L. (Cynthia) Parker Sr.

MJ was a 2002 graduate of Sumter High School. He received his Christian formation at  Beulah Union Methodist Episcopal Church, Sumter, SC.

He enlisted in the Army in 2005 and went to combat as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan where he was stationed at Bagram Air Base. While serving he was awarded/earned the following: Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.

Cherish memories of his life will be shared by his parents;  his daughter, Kaylen Johnson of Sumter, SC; two brothers, Donovan E. Parker of Atlanta, GA and Leonard Brailsford of Sumter, SC; two stepbrothers, Charlie A. (Dorquila) Thomas of McDonough, GA and Akil Benjamin of Sumter, SC; a step-sister, Ashley Benjamin of Charlotte, NC: his grandmother, Daisy Moore of Pinewood, SC a special friend, Shonda Rush and a host of aunts, uncles and numerous other relatives and friends.