Terry Coleman Parker

March 21, 1954 ~ April 1, 2026 (age 72)

Terry Parker Obituary

A memorial visitation for Terry Parker, 72, of Nacogdoches will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home.

Terry Coleman Parker was born March 21, 1954 to James & Gladys Parker in Houston, Texas. He was the youngest of 9 children. He graduated from MacArthur High School in 1972. He attended Blinn Junior College, playing the drums in the marching band & earned his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University where he continued his love for music by playing in the marching band for SFASU & was also a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. He met and married the love of his life, Mary Swonke in 1975. He got the opportunity to travel the world and live in multiple states while working for Emco Oil Company, until he settled on his true calling of coach and teacher that brought him back to Nacogdoches. He began his coaching & teaching career at Huntington High School, coaching football & teaching music appreciation. He then found his true passion of coaching girls’ basketball when he accepted an assistant coaching position at Woden High School. He continued to coach with one highlight of his career being his girls basketball team at Chireno High School qualifying for the state tournament in 2016.

In the later years of his life, he continued his passion for music, playing drums in multiple local bands. He loved gardening, being outside and being with his grandchildren.

Terry is preceded in death by his siblings, Sonny Parker, Jr. & wife Patsy and Larry Parker, Janice Ryan & husband Mike, Beverly Ward & husband Emory, Gail Clarke & husband Butch and Joyce Phillips.

Terry is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Mary M. Parker; children, Kari Jo Parker & husband Johnnie Fields and Chad C. Parker & wife Brandy; grandchildren, Ellie Parker, Jackson Parker, Cagan Fields, Aviana Fields and Preston Parker; sisters, Peggy Murdock & husband Kenneth and Kathryn Catlett & husband Harold; sister-in-law, Janice Parker and multiple nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews. He loved his family fiercely and leaves a legacy of love for them all, including the fellow coaches he met over the years, band members, friends made and past players he coached. He touched many lives and will be missed dearly.

The family wishes to send their sincerest thanks to the staff of Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital, Westward Trails Nursing & Rehab and Harbor Hospice for their care and compassion shown to Terry.