Rayburn Austin Parker, 87, of Cullman, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 at his residence. He was born Sept. 4, 1935.
Rayburn graduated from West Point High School, earned his Bachelor’s Degree at St. Bernard College, and his Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama. He was an avid Alabama Football fan. Rayburn was a teacher at Cold Springs High School and West Point High School and served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He was also a member of Baldwin Church of Christ. He enjoyed photography and also sold real estate, so if he didn’t teach you, he probably took your wedding photos or sold you a house.
He is survived by his daughters, Paula (Jeff) Sanford and Jerri (Keith) Howell; grandchildren, Scott Sanford, Clint Sanford, Zachary Howell and Dylan Howell; great grandchildren, Hunter Sanford, Caleb Sanford, Lane Sanford, Emily Sanford, Jase Sanford, Liam Howell, Lily Grace Howell and Lexi Rae Howell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin T. Parker and Nellie Ruth Chandler Parker; his wife, Elna Jearldine Parker and siblings, Doris Adkins, Carolyn White, Charlene Woods and Bobby Parker.
Funeral service will be Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home; Keith Howell officiating; burial will follow in Cullman City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CRMC Hospice or the United Cerebral Palsy Fund.
Pallbearers are Scott Sanford, Clint Sanford, Zachary Howell, Edward Newman, Johnny Shelton and Keith Grund. Honorary pallbearers are Dylan Howell and Chris Bagley.
The family wants to give a special thanks to CRMC Hospice nurse, Sharon Bennett.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mossservicefh.com for the Parker family.
