AHOSKIE, NC – Donald Ray Parker, age 88, of Hwy 561 East, passed away on Monday evening, December 21, 2020 at his home.
Mr. Parker was born on March 24, 1932 to Clarence Wingate Parker and Ruby Sewell Parker in Hertford County, NC. He was married to the love of his life, Sara Willoughby Parker. Donald was a dedicated member of Hickory Chapel Original Free Will Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities. He was trustee and treasurer, assistant Sunday school teacher, choir member, assistant Sunday school superintendent, and was always there to provide a treat to all the children and donuts for the intersection Sunday school class every Sunday. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Along with his parents, Donald was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy Tew, Frances Brown, Marie Clark, Mary Elizabeth Scudder, and Riopel Sumner, and brothers, Billy “W.D.” Parker, Dan Parker, R. M. “Spec” Parker, Wingate Parker, and Richard Arnold Parker.
Donald is survived by his loving wife Sara of the home; a sister, Berna Dean Byrum of Murfreesboro, NC; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life funeral service will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020, at 1:00 pm at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. Jim Skipper officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm and burial will follow at Ahoskie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hickory Chapel Original Free Will Baptist Church, Building Fund, 530 NC Highway 561 E, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Parker family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Donnie, you will be missed by so many people, and especially the children at Hickory Chapel. My grandchildren, Katie, Shelby and Madison and all the children really loved you. They loved you and will miss you.
Uncle Donnie, I will always remember as a kid my brothers and I picking and eating blueberries off of your blueberry bushes. On Christmas you would give us Half dollar coins and then dollar bills. I still have some of those half dollars to this day. You were loved by so many and you will forever be missed. Give my Papa a hug for me when you see him. Love you always Uncle Donnie.
Uncle Donnie, you were such a rock in my childhood. I was Big Mama’s sitter until you got home from work for a few years and I cherish those memories except when she fell trying to go inside from the front porch after she had her stroke and she fell on concrete porch I couldn’t lift her so I ran like the wind next door to get an adult to help. By the time we got back she had lifted herself up and was already inside….She had so many bruises that I cried, BUT I learned to preserver in the face of mishaps. She told me to hush because she was fine even though her glasses were broken. I always felt comfortable when I visited. I remember watching the Moon landing on the brass bed in the front bedroom with 10 or more of my cousins on the tiny little black and white TV with antennas that we had to put aluminum foil on to receive the channel. My Children loved your chocolate and peanut butter fudge. I love how you were so frugal that you even washed the plastic ware when we had family gatherings. That was so endearing because I followed your example of recycling and reuse. I try to this day to follow your example. When we talked a few weeks ago I could hear how much pain you were in so I am Thankful that God called you home. Rest in Peace and know that you were loved and appreciated by us all.
Mrs Sarah and Family, Our family is saddened by your loss! We send prayers of THE LORD’S COMFORT AND PEACE. Mr Donnie was a very nice person!
Much LOVE,
Ann Wiggins, Dalles and Teresa Turner