Mr. Larry Joe Parker, age 79, of Adairsville, passed away peacefully Wednesday November 13, 2024, with his loved ones at his side. He was born in Rome, Georgia, December 2, 1945, to the late John Bunyan Parker and Ida Dodd Parker. Larry was also preceded in death by his loving wife Linda Johnston Parker and brothers, Ronnie Parker and J. W. Scott.

Survivors include his children, John Parker and his wife, Casey, Chris Brown and his wife, Kelly, and Brandy McKenzie and her husband, Bo; grandchildren, Maggie Parker, Parker Brown and his wife Sarah, Avery Shirley and her husband Colton, and Mason McKenzie; and his caretaker, Genise Printup.

Larry was a dedicated educator and coach who made a significant impact in the field of education for over 40 years. He graduated from West Rome High School and Berry College. He also played minor league baseball for the Carolina Mets and played football at Carson Newman. Larry's career in education saw him teaching and coaching at several high schools, including West Rome High School, Macon Central High School, Cherokee High School, Adairsville High School, and Lafayette High School. He also served as principal at Lafayette High School, Adairsville High School, Buchanan Elementary School, Bartow County Career Academy, and Chattooga County Alternative School. His commitment to education extended to his role as a member of the Bartow County Board of Education. Larry was passionate about coaching, having coached football, wrestling, and golf, and he left a lasting legacy in the communities he served. For his students, he will be remembered for the extraordinary level of personal care and involvement he had with so many under his tutelage.

The family will receive friends on Sunday November 17, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

Funeral service will be Sunday at 5:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Graves officiating. A private family interment will follow at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens, Rome with the family serving as pallbearers.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, is in charge of funeral arrangements for Mr. Larry Joe Parker.