Mr. Omri Lawing Parker better known as "O.L.," of Lansing, died on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014 at his home in Lansing. He was 82.

Mr. Parker was born on July 5, 1932 in Charlotte to John Walter and Lelia Auten Parker. Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Deborah Parker Buboltz.

Mr. Parker worked for Southern Bell for 21 years before founding O.L. Parker & Son Grading Company in 1971. He was always active in his community from coaching Little League Baseball for 13 years, founding the Long Creek Shooting Preserve, training bird dogs, Long Creek Volunteer Fire Department and cooking barbecue. O.L. had even played Semi-Pro Baseball in Charlotte. Bluegrass music was very important to him. He played with several bands including O.L. Parker and the Dixie Mountain Grass. He was very talented, playing several instruments well. He enjoyed antique cars and tractors, traveling to different shows; he was most proud of his 1940 Ford Coupe. O.L. moved to Lansing following his retirement and continued to work becoming a Christmas tree farmer, growing and selling them every year at his tree lot in Charlotte.

Mr. Parker is survived by his wife, Eleanor Mae McCracken Parker; daughter, Donna Parker (Danny) Whitesides of Denver, N.C.; son, Rodney Morgan (Tammy) Parker of Catawba; brother, Dalton Parker (Ann) and sister, Naomi Fite (Lloyd) both of Charlotte; step-daughter, Robin Cavender of Lansing; grandchildren, Michelle, Daniel, Morgan, Jason, Allyson and Kristin; great-grandchildren, Lucas, Jacob, Colby, Jayden and Maxton; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Charlotte. Burial followed in Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family received friends prior to the service at the church.

The family also received friends on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 at Badger Funeral Home in West Jefferson.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to: Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, P.O. Box 681900, Charlotte, NC 28216 or United Hospice of Wilkes, 902 W D St. Suite B, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

Badger Funeral Home of West Jefferson was entrusted with Mr. Parker's arrangements.