Funeral services for Ricky Lynn Parker, age 51, are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 1 at Sand Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Rodney Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Natchez Trace Church Cemetery. Pafford Funeral Home of Lexington is in charge of the arrangements.

Ricky, the son of the late Joe and Callie Burton Parker, died Saturday night, April 27, 2013 in Jackson.

The owner & pitmaster of Scott's BBQ, he had been cooking whole hog for over 39 years. A native of Henderson County, he was proud of his hometown & was always willing to lend a helping hand. The over-flowing parking lot until the "Sold Out" sign was posted was a true testament to his BBQ mastery. What was once a hidden Southern gem soon grew to be nationally recognized.

Ranked 3rd nationally & 1st in the U.S. , Ricky was recognized by many highly acclaimed publications; Southern Living, Pit Masters, Southern Foodways Alliance, to name a very few, and soon was honored to travel across the U.S. showcasing his BBQ. Although he will definitely be remembered for his BBQ, long after the memory of the delicious pulled pork sandwich has faded, most will remember his easy nature & how he made you feel when you stepped up to the takeout window. In his own words, " When I see a customer coming back and a smile on their face, it makes it all worthwhile."

Ricky is survived by his wife, Lisa Parker; his sons: Matthew Parker, Zachery Parker and Joshua Westbrook; daughters: Hope Parker and Olivia Parker; a grandson, Parker Westbrook; a sister, Lilly Story (Mike) and brothers: Larry Parker (Debbie), Gary Parker (Donna) and Danny Parker (Vicky). He is also survived by his Scott's BBQ family: Austin "Tea Pot" Thomas, Terri Martin and Rusty Dickson.