Frank Parker – longtime owner of Cayce Bait and Tackle Shop- was an icon in Cayce for more than four decades.

“He was a fixture,” said his niece Lisa Sharpe Breese. “And he was a cut-up. People loved to hang out at his shop,” that was at 2108 State Street, where the new Henry’s restaurant is coming.
The bait and tackle shop – that Parker had an image of the Lizard Man painted on- closed a few years ago. The Lizard Man art is still there.

Parker was murdered last Thursday at his St. Matthews home, allegedly shot by Edward Britt, 56, who has a criminal record that spans several counties and dates back almost 40 years. Family members said they think Parker was targeted for robbery because Britt thought he had money on him.

Breese said her family is devastated by the death of her uncle. Her mother – Mary Sharpe who is Frank’s sister – was grieving days after her brother was killed. Parker – who grew up on Ellisor Hill off of 12th Street Extension- had five brothers and another sister. The family is taking the death hard. Breese said Parker, 79, was recovering from a cancer diagnosis when he was killed. She also said he was beloved by many in and around the the Cayce community.

“My uncle had something he called Capt. Franks Seafood Platter, he’d serve at the bait and tackle shop,” Breese said. “It was sardines, saltine crackers and a boiled egg. He always made people laugh. He had a great sense of humor.”
In addition to the bait and tackle shop, for years, Parker owned Parker’s Trim Shop, across the street. It was an upholstery business.

His niece also said Parker helped others who were struggling financially, and he did not make it public. She said Parker would cross racial lines to help- and many of the members of the families he assisted are also devastated by his death.

The Funeral for Frank Parker is at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Caughman Harmon Funeral Chapel at Southland Memorial Gardens. 
There will be a service, visitation  and  burial