Clayton Leon "Sonny" Parker

Clayton Leon Parker, affectionately known as Sonny, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Morning Pointe Assisted Living in Calhoun, surrounded by his cherished family.

Born on July 10, 1946, in Adairsville, Sonny was a dedicated member of the First Christian Church in Adairsville, where he served as a Deacon. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge 168.

Throughout his life, Sonny was committed to his work with CSX Railroad for 23 years. Subsequently, he joined the United Transportation Union Insurance Division and RRBS Law Firm in Miami, Florida, where he was widely recognized for his unwavering work ethic and integrity.

Sonny's military service in the US Air Force spanned from 1966 to 1969, during which time he served in Vietnam. He worked at Lockheed Martin in Marietta after being discharged from the Air Force. He was Chief of Police in Kingston from 1971 – 1973 and served as a Deputy at the Adairsville Police Department.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Sonny found great joy in hunting, slow pitch softball, coaching youth baseball in Adairsville, and witnessing the athletic and academic achievements of his sons and grandchildren. He was renowned for his warm and compassionate demeanor and dedication to family.

Sonny Parker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, leaves behind a legacy of love. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ginger Lynn Parker (Bragg), with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. They have two sons, Stacy Parker and wife Jill Roberts Parker, and Chad Parker. He is further survived by five grandchildren, Lyndsey Parker Gibson and husband Trey Gibson, Lauren Parker, Jake Parker, Luke Parker, and Zack Parker; Great-grandchild Sutton James Gibson; brothers Norman Parker (Diane) and JR Parker (Pat), and sisters Arlice Defoor, Gail Strong (Charlie), Nancy Budzius (Fred), and Ann McDermott (Sean) also share his memory. He also leaves behind beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews as well as many friends and former colleagues.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Surilla Parker, brother Grady Ray Parker and sister Sibby Lynn Parker.

Friends and family are cordially invited to attend and share cherished memories of Sonny with friends and family on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 1:00PM until 3:00PM at Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville. Funeral services for Sonny will follow at 3:00 PM from the chapel of Barton Funeral Home with Ministers Drew Suttles, Ron Marks and Rick Lawson officiating. Services will conclude with the interment in Eastview Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Trey Gibson, Sean Patrick McDermott, John Defoor, Cameron Budzius, Zachary Budzius, Spencer Budzius. Honorary pallbearers will be Rayden Parker, Jimmy Fletcher, Freddie Fletcher, Mike Smith, Howard Cochran, Jr., Charlie Strong, Sean McDermott and Fred Budzius, Jake Parker, Luke Parker, Zack Parker, Stacy Lee Parker, Dewayne Parker, Jason Parker, Shane Parker, Kerry Smith, Grant Smith, Dustin Smith, Daniel Suttles, Chad Isaac, Devon Isaac, Tristin Smith, and Russell Gray.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for Mr. Sonny Parker.