Deacon Arthur Parker Sr.-a native of Detroit , MI ., and a resident of Mobile for many years, born December 13, 1943, departed this earthly life Friday, July 10, 2009 at a local hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents. He was a member of Second Baptist Church, where he served as a faithful and devoted Deacon, Sunday school and Bible Teacher. He was a retiree of Mobile Public Works, where he dedicated over twenty years of service. He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of fourteen years, Sis. Johnnie Mae Parker, Mobile two sons, Arthur Jr. and Alexander Parker, both of Atlanta , GA. , stepson, Jimmie Lorenzo Jemison, Roosevelt, NY., daughter, Alice (Rev. Antonio) Merritt, Tacoma, WA., stepdaughter, Tina (Liberato) Sarmierto, Los Angeles, CA., eleven grandchildren, two close friends, Theodore Wiggins, and Beverly Reese, other relatives and friends. His remains will lie in state at Small's Mortuary Friday, July 17, 2009 from 1-8pm and Saturday, July 18, 2009 after 9am until the 11am funeral hour Second Baptist Church, 911 South Broad St., Interment will follow in the Gethsemane Cemetery, Mobile. Dignified and professional services entrusted to Smalls Mortuary 950 Broad St. Mobile, AL.