Howard "Bud" Reeves Parker, age 78, passed away on April 14, 2025 in Carrollton, Georgia. He was born on September 22, 1946 to Eugene Fletcher Parker and Sara Reeves Parker in LaGrange, Georgia.

In LaGrange, he attended St. Mark's Episcopal Church and graduated in 1964 from LaGrange High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War.

At one point, Bud owned a health food store, baked bread and raised chickens to sell fresh eggs to LaGrange customers. For several years during Christmas holidays, Bud enjoyed being on a circuit as Santa Claus at Christmas parties and at shopping malls in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and in New York City. With a twinkle in his eyes and naturally white hair and beard, Bud looked very similar to the classic Coca-Cola Santa Claus seen in advertisements.

He was an avid fly fisherman, tied his own flies and enjoyed outdoor activities. He was an accomplished craftsman, using his skills to make furniture from the finest wood. Two favorite hobbies were wood-carving and leather crafts. With his good memory and sense of humor, Bud kept family and friends laughing.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary; sister Diane Parker Heydt; brother Jon Kelly Parker; step-daughter Patricia Graves, her husband and two daughters; granddaughter Jessica Bedoya, her husband and five children.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents Gene and Sara Parker; his son Matthew Parker; two brothers Eugene Fletcher Parker, Jr. and Fred Hilsman Parker.

With his good memory and sense of humor, Bud's story-telling kept family and friends entertained.

No services are planned at this time.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.