Someone You Should Know — Grady Parker

Someone You Should Know — Grady Parker

Church: University Baptist Church, Montevallo

Favorite Bible verse: 1 Corinthians 13:1

Favorite hymn: “Amazing Grace”

Hobbies: Being mayor

Family status: Widowed; two children; three grandchildren

Grady Parker is someone you should know. In addition to being a recent member of the board of directors for The Alabama Baptist, Parker has been mayor of the city of Montevallo, located in Shelby County, since 1996.

Q: How did you first become the mayor of Montevallo in 1996?

A: The mayor here died, and they asked me to take his place. Then I decided to run for office. I’ve run for public office eight times and won eight times.

Q: What does being the mayor of Montevallo demand from you?

A: It demands hard work and a lot of patience.

Q: What do you get from being the mayor in the city of Montevallo?

A: You get a lot of satisfaction from the things you accomplish and from trying to make things better.

Q: How do other family members support you in your role as mayor?

A: They have always been very supportive of me. My children and grandchildren are very supportive, just as was my late wife, Ann.

Q: What difference will holding this position as mayor of Montevallo make for you in the future?

A: It just makes me realize that you have to work hard and regular to get things done.

Q: How do you see yourself involved in this position in the future?

A: I am about ready to retire.

If you know of a person who should be featured as “Someone You Should Know,” send his or her name, a contact number and the reason you think he or she should be featured to: Someone You Should Know, c/o The Alabama Baptist, 3310 Independence Drive, Birming­ham, AL 35209.