Drew B. Parker III

Drew B Parker, known as Drew B, never met a stranger. Whether he was handing you a Hallmark card in Greenfield, swapping stories with a nurse, or sharing a Coke and slice of pizza on one of his favorite one-on-one outings, he had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. That was Drew's gift—he saw people with his heart.

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Early life and faith

Born in Elyria, Ohio, Drew grew up in South Salem and graduated from Buckskin Elementary and McClain High School. Though blind since childhood, Drew never let darkness define him. Instead, he became a beacon of light for others. He kept game-day stats for the McClain Tigers boys' basketball team and spent ten years in 4-H raising lambs.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life. Sundays found him first at South Salem Methodist Church and, later, at First Baptist Church of Greenfield, where his strong voice and stronger spirit lifted everyone around him. There he found a kindred spirit in Pastor Chris, who became one of his dearest friends.

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Education and calling

After graduating from the Helen Keller School for the Blind and attending Cedarville College, Drew found his place at the family's Castle Hallmark in Greenfield. He knew every aisle by heart—but more importantly, he knew every customer. People came for cards but returned for Drew's warmth, his genuine interest in their lives, and his ability to brighten even the hardest days.

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A life of service

Drew's love for people extended far beyond the Hallmark store:

* Dedicated Greenfield Lions Club member

* Past president, Greenfield Merchants Association

* South Salem City Council member

* Founded a social meet-up for blind adults in Port St. Lucie, FL

* Volunteer and participant at Lighthouse for the Blind, Sarasota

* Volunteer for church clothing pantry

Each role reflected Drew's belief that obstacles were meant to be overcome and that everyone deserved connection and community.

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What mattered most

Drew found joy in McClain basketball games, genealogy, local news, and motor-home trips with family. But what truly lit him up was people—their stories, their struggles, their triumphs. He had an extraordinary ability to remember details about everyone he met, making each person feel valued and seen.

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Anchored by love

Drew is survived by his parents Sandy Smith Parker and Drew Parker, by his brother Patrick Parker, and his sister-in-law Odete Parker—the foundation of his world. Their love and support helped shape the remarkable man he became. He also leaves behind a large, loving network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who became family through Drew's generous heart.

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A legacy of joy

Drew B. Parker showed us that true vision comes from the heart. In all his years, you'd never hear Drew complain about being blind or any other challenge life sent his way. Instead, he'd crack a joke, find something to celebrate, and somehow make you forget your own troubles. His unwavering faith and genuine love for others turned every obstacle into an excuse to spread more joy. Where others saw limitations, Drew saw opportunities to connect, to laugh, and to make someone's day brighter.

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Drew taught us that the secret to a good life isn't avoiding hardship—it's choosing to be a blessing regardless of your circumstances. He proved daily that happiness is a choice, and that the best cure for your own struggles is helping someone else through theirs.

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If you want to honor Drew today, it's simple: do what he did. Find fun in an ordinary moment. Make someone laugh when they need it most. Choose joy over complaint. Be the person who makes others feel better just by being around. That's how Drew lived—turning every day into a celebration and every person into a friend. His spirit lives on through every joke shared, every burden lightened, every moment we choose to see the good and share it with someone else.