The late Dr. Martin Luther King, who was honored Monday, often expressed to whomever he met the same message: service, faith, fairness, dignity, brotherhood. One way or another, he gave a variation of the same thought, historians note, when he said: "Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined for service."

Last week,Shelbyville mourned the loss of two veteran city firefighters, Sam Parker, with 38 years service, and Houston Butler, with 22.

Shelbyville Fire Chief Matt Doak expressed his sympathy Friday upon the loss of both faithful city firemen and as well, served Parker's family at Doak-Howell Funeral Home. Butler's family was being served by Hillcrest Funeral Home.

Parker passed Wednesday, Jan. 13, at The Heart Remembers, following an extended illness. He was 77.

The long-time firefighter was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Donegan Parker. Born in Shelbyville on Nov. 17, 1943, he was the son of the late John Edward Parker and Robbie Ellen Parks Parker.

Family stated that Parker loved weekend trips to the mountains and to Gulf Shore beaches. In addition to his life of service to his community, he was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.

Just as dedicated for over two decades to SFD was Butler, who was son of the late Arthur Julius Butler and Edith Elizabeth Jones. The long-time Shelbyville resident passed Friday, Jan. 15, at the age of 79.

His wife of 50 years, Janelle Thomas Butler, recently stated how her husband enjoyed fishing with his buddies at Lake Bedford. In addition to his community service, Butler was a member of Fellowship for Christ Church.