Retired Sheriff Raymond "Billy" Parker, 87 of Johnston, SC husband since 1958 to Mattie Powell Parker entered into rest on March 19, 2024.

Billy was born to Beulah Richardson and Raymond Woodrow Parker on September 1, 1936, in Aiken County, SC. Billy attended Johnston High School and served in the US Navy from 1954-1959, following his discharge from the Navy he worked in his parents' grocery store. Billy was listed in 1971 in the Outstanding Young Men of America. Billy joined the Edgefield County Sheriff Department and was one of the first officers to attend The Police Academy in Columbia, SC, and FBI Academy, having received many awards. Billy worked for sixteen years as a deputy and twenty years as the Sheriff of Edgefield County where he served twice as the President of the Sheriffs Association. He loved the county and the people.

Billy was a volunteer fireman in Johnston and was Chief for many years. He was a Mason member and member of the Sertoma Club where he helped to build their building. He was a member of Ridge Fishing Club, Lazy 8 Fishing Club of Plum Branch where he truly had a love for fishing. He was an avid outdoorsman.

Billy is survived by daughter Karen Anderson (Paul), son Ray Parker (Paula), grandchildren Parker Anderson (Missy), Krista Graham (Robby), Michael Wood (Jessica), greatgrandchildren Colton and Clayton Graham, Shannon, Audrey, Lila, Trinity and Waylon Wood, Dakota and T.J. Romero, Kaylee Carroll, step greatgrandchildren Teagan and Levi, one very dear sister-in-law Gwyn Rodgers (Alfred), brother in law Mike Wood, brother Donnie Parker (Ann) along with a host of dearly loved nephews and nieces. Predeceased by one sister Mildred Parker Averill and his adopted daughter Jewel Wood.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm, Monday, March 25, 2024, at Mt. Of Olives Cemetery in Johnston, SC.The family would like to give thanks to The Empyrean Hospice for the care they showed Billy during his time of need. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home. Please share a memory or photo at www.edgefieldmercantilefh.com.