Tommy Litchell Parker

Tom Parker of Ocean Springs died this August 27, 2026. He was one of 5 children of Leamon Parker and Peggy Parker and a long-time residence of Ocean Springs. He is survived by two sons, Stephen and Chandler Parker; three granddaughters, Ashleigh, Elizabeth and Molly Parker; and two of his sisters, Ileen DuBose and Delores Mills.

Tom lived the true Jimmy Buffett life. He moved to New Orleans after graduating from Mississippi State. He worked on oil rigs and started a company called Autocon with two of his best friends. Autocon was acquired by Camco Oil, and Tom moved to Texas. Tom traveled the world with Camco as an engineer in the 80s oil boom. From Egypt, Iran, India, Singapore and most oil producing regions, Tom saw the world and had the stories to tell.

While in Texas, Tom purchased a horse farm and raised children and horses. His nephew Billy Dubose would come every summer and join his boys for adventure on Lake Livingston after working the week on the horse farm. Tom learned the banjo and rode in local rodeos but continued to captain boats in Galveston and on the lakes of Texas. Tom truly missed his hometown and came home to Ocean Springs. He returned to his true passion as a captain, both personally and commercially.

Captain Tom, as he was now known, chartered fishing cruises, sailed and relocated boats, was the captain for the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and even won the top prize for refurbishing boats in the Louisianna boat fair. He fished, laughed and enjoyed the true Gulf Coast lifestyle.

He enjoyed his final days living in LaRue in a house he built personally. He painted portraits on his porch and watched the sun go down over his lake.

We reflect on the wonderful and eventful life of Capt. Tom Parker as he sails off into Heaven.

The family will hold a Masonic graveside service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at White Plains Cemetery, 18013 White Plains Rd., Saucier, MS 39574.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Tom Parker.