“A life well lived”: Hundreds gather to say their final goodbye to Dr. Anthony Parker

Dr. Parker who was the longest serving President for Albany Technical College passed in the early hours of Monday morning.

ALBANY, Ga. – Much of Albany is in mourning as a Celebration of Life was held for the late Dr. Anthony Parker. The longtime president of Albany Technical College unexpectedly passed away Monday at 69 years young.

South Georgia Television News Reporter Quinlan Parker was one among the hundreds who came out today for one final goodbye. Tears, laughter and fond memories filled Mt. Zion Baptist Church as family and friends along with faculty and staff from Albany Tech joined together to bid farewell to “A life well lived.”

“This is the end of an era, but the beginning of a new journey without him but we will definitely lead on in what he has instilled in us as a family.” said Marla Jackson Fowler, the English Department Head at Albany Technical College.

Albany Tech’s interim President Dr. Emmett Griswold was in accordance with Fowler as he reflected upon Dr. Parker’s life and legacy.

“So we must go forward and finish the vision he has shared with each of us.” said Dr. Griswold.

Commander Andrea Parker Smith, Daughter of Dr. Anthony Parker
“I’m sad. I’m really sad, because I miss him. I miss his laughter, I miss his wit, I miss hearing the same story over and over again each time, adding some drama for effect.” said Commander Andrea Parker Smith, the daughter of Dr. Parker.

Dr. Parker’s daughters affectionately remembered their father and are going to live by his infamous saying.

“Don’t do nothing stupid. So for those of you that see me to help with that legacy feel free to remind me of that; and to make sure that when I say ‘daddy, I promise you I will not do anything stupid.'” said Dr. Kimberly Parker.