Billy Lee Parker

Billy Lee Parker, age 87, of Somerville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Billy was born on March 21, 1939, in Williston, Tennessee, to Chester Parker and Helen Irene McCulley Parker. He attended Fayette County High School, where he was an outstanding athlete and well-loved classmate. He served as Captain of the football team and Co-Captain of the basketball team. He was also selected as an All-Star Offensive Tackle in West Tennessee and was voted Most Popular Senior and Friendliest by his classmates.

Enlisting during high school, Billy proudly served eight years in the United States Army National Guard. Following high school, he worked as a steel work foreman for Memphis Light, Gas and Water, where he built a career through hard work, dedication, and skill.

On December 29, 1962, Billy married the love of his life, Dartha Lill Powers, beginning a marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared many adventures. Billy especially enjoyed traveling with his wife and was her faithful assistant driver and photographer during her years working in the insurance business. He was baptized and a lifetime member of the Methodist church.

Billy was truly a jack of all trades. There wasn't much he couldn't fix, and he especially enjoyed designing and creating new things. He had a natural talent for working with his hands and a knack for figuring out how to make just about anything work. He loved hunting and fishing and treasured the time spent hunting and fishing with friends, his son and daughter. Above all, he loved his family and took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He was known for his quick wit and clever one-liners, always ready with a comment that could bring a smile or a laugh. His humor, ingenuity, and loving spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

Billy leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 64 years, Dartha Lill Powers Parker; his daughter, Rebecca Lill Parker Arnold (Anthony) of California; his son, Richard Lee Parker (Amanda) of Arlington, Tennessee; his niece, Laurel Reeves Garrett; his nephew, David Reeves; and four beloved grandchildren, Parker Kendrick Arnold (Julia), Brayden Elise Arnold, Austin Kolby Arnold, and Caleb Samuel Parker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Helen Irene Parker; his sister, Peggy Reeves; and his nephew, Billy Mac Reeves.

Billy's life was defined by his faith, his love for his family, his strong work ethic, his ability to build and fix just about anything, and his wonderful sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Funeral services for Billy Parker will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Williston Methodist Church, with David Reeves officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Rex Powers III, Randy Powers, Allen German, Stephen Leath, Sam Wilkerson and Austin Arnold. Honorary pallbearers are Houston Leath, Carl McCaskill, and Harold Feathers.

Memorial contributions in Billy’s memory may be made to Methodist Church of Williston, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, or the donors choice.