Oscar Dewitt "Dee" Parker

Oscar Dewitt “Dee” Parker, age 90, of Laurens, SC, husband of Connie Roberts Parker, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at NHC of Clinton.

Born on September 10, 1934, in Laurens, he was the son of the late Oscar Dewitt Parker, Sr. and Katherine Bolt Parker. A proud graduate of Laurens High School Class of 1952, Dee was a standout athlete who played football, basketball, baseball and ran track. He went on to attend Presbyterian College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Education in 1956. While at PC, he also played on the Blue Hose baseball team.

From 1956 to 1958, Dee served in the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge, he earned a Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Florida.

After 36 years of dedicated service with the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, he retired as Area Supervisor for the Greenville office. Throughout his career, he made a lasting impact on countless lives.

A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Laurens, Dee served faithfully as an elder, sang in the choir, participated in Presbyterian Men, led the youth group, and coached the senior boys church league basketball team. He was also a longtime volunteer with Straight Street, where he served as tournament chairman and fundraiser for their annual charity golf tournament for several years.

Dee remained a proud and active alumnus of Presbyterian College and was one of the Blue Hose’s most dedicated fans, attending nearly every sporting event. In recognition of his enduring commitment and service, he was honored with the Dum Vivimus Service Award from Presbyterian College in 2017.

A passionate golfer, Dee treasured his time at Lakeside Country Club and the lasting friendships he made with his many golfing buddies. He was also a proud member of the “Fearsome Eightsome”, a close-knit group of SCVRD colleagues who shared a love for the game. Dee valued time with friends—whether on the golf course, around a card table, out fishing or hunting, traveling, or exploring antiques. Known for his quick wit and love of laughter, he was always ready to tell a good joke to anyone willing to listen.

More than anything, Dee loved his family—especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his sons, Oscar Dewitt “Dusty” Parker (Lee Werry) and Martin “Marty” Vance Parker; his step-son, Benjamin Barton “Bart” Copeland (Becky); and step-daughter, Keri Emma Garrett (Kyle). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Brent Parker, Jordan Pate, Emma Garrett, Eli Garrett, and Thomas Copeland.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Laurens, with the Reverend Dr. Lud Weaver and the Reverend Marc Coker officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Laurens Scholarship Fund, 400 West Main Street, Laurens, SC 29360, or to Presbyterian College Scotsman Club, 503 South Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Laurens is assisting the Parker family with services.