The Columbia College family of faculty, staff, students, alumnae and friends join in celebrating the life of beloved educator Dr. Harris Hartwell Parker Jr.  

Dr. Parker died January 27, 2010, in Richland Heart Hospital with family and friends at his side. Born October 12, 1925, in Florence, he was a son of the late Harris H. and Martha Elizabeth Thomas Parker. For half a century, Dr. Parker taught in the religion department at Columbia College, where he was greatly admired by faculty and students and twice named “Outstanding Teacher of the Year.”

President Caroline Whitson acknowledged the deep sense of loss to the campus community, "Dr. Harris Parker's quick mind, warm heart, and profound spirit enriched the lives of his students and colleagues for more than a generation. He will be deeply missed."
 
Surviving are his wife, Susan Culclasure Parker; son, Dr. Harris Hartwell “Hart” Parker III and his wife, Shelly; granddaughter, Madison Susanne Parker; grandson, Harris Hartwell “Wells” Parker IV; nieces, Anne Berte, Harriett Johnson and Bette Stith. He was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Liles Lang, and beloved daughter, Martha Susanne Parker.
 
The memorial service for Dr. Parker will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2010, at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
 
Memorials may be made online or by mail to the Martha Susanne Parker or Dr. Harris Hartwell Parker Jr. Scholarship Funds at Columbia College, 1301 Columbia College Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.
 
Click here to read more about Dr. Parker's inspirational life and career.  He was featured in the Fall 2002 issue of Columns magazine celebrating his half-century of service.