William Malcolm Parker

William Malcolm Parker, 94, of Silsbee, died Friday, September 6, 2024. He was born on May 8, 1930, in Merryville, Louisiana, to Myrtle Whittington Parker and Williams Lonnie Parker.

William has been in the Silsbee community since 1957. From 1947 to 1953 he worked in the Texas and Louisiana oil fields as a rough-neck driller. He then went on to work for the Texas Highway Department in Anahauc, Beaumont, Silsbee, and Kountze from 1953 to 1987. After that, William worked as maintenance personnel for Hardin County in Precinct 1 from 1988 to 1998. Lastly, from 1999 to 2021, he was an employee at the City of Silsbee Dump where he took permits for dumpsters. He also had his own band which played all over in VFW Halls, old honky tonks, and beer joints. During his time in the band, he had the honor of playing with George Jones, who became his friend over the years. William played in his band for forty-six years total.  He also enjoyed hunting and traveling. He treated everyone like his friend and would give the shirt off of his back for his loved ones.

Survivors include his wife of seventy-three years, Esther Faye Parker; and his son, Kenneth Parker.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Mildred “Nannie” Green, and his brother, Millard Parker.

Mr. Parker’s cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.