MURFREESBORO, NC – Henry Elvin Parker, age 78, of Collin Road, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.
Elvin was born on October 5, 1942 to Elvin Collin Parker and Dorothy Lee Dilday Parker in Murfreesboro, NC. He was a graduate of Murfreesboro High School, Chowan College, and a devoted member of Meherrin Baptist Church. Elvin spent his life farming, was a natural engineer, and carpenter, all while raising three beautiful children. He never met a stranger and loved to tell a good story, filling the silence on many occasions. He was a peace maker but also knew how to lay down the law. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved them dearly. Elvin had a passion for perfection in life and singing. He had a huge love for singing, from doing events with his sister Joyce, to the barber shop quartets, from Suffolk, VA to Gainsville, FL. He was well known for his deep smooth bass voice. Elvin met the love of his life; Candace and they spent many great years together singing in a gospel band that ministered in prisons in north and central Florida. Words to live by, “Keep The Whole World Singing”!
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Miller.
Elvin is survived by his loving wife Candace, two daughters, Rochelle Parker of Murfreesboro, and Ivy Parker Mitchell and husband Rob of Clayton; son, Carl Parker and wife Emily of Leland; four granddaughters, Amanda Harrell of Ahoskie, Cayla Parker of Leland, Carlee Mitchell of Clayton, and Camryn Mitchell of Clayton; grandson, Collin Parker of Leland; great-grandson, Lawrence Alston; brother-in-law, Henry Miller of Murfreesboro; niece, Cheryl Miller of Murfreesboro; and nephew, Lewis Miller and wife Charlotte of Danville, VA.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Monday, November 9, 2020, at 2:00 pm at the Meherrin Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, NC, with Rev. John Porter officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Meherrin Baptist Church, 519 Meherrin Lane, Murfreesboro, NC 27855, or online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Parker family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Candace,
Singing Barbershop Harmony with Elvin is a favorite memory of mine. He had such a good bass voice. I was proud to be able to be shoulder to shoulder with him in the Bass section of the Barbergators. He and I texted back at the first week ok August. He had been on my mind and in my prayers since. Bless you and your family in these difficult times.
Listening to Elvin singing behind me in the Meherrin Baptist Choir was one of the true blessings in my younger life before I became a public school music teacher. He and his sister Joyce surely influenced my love of music. I send blessings and prayers to all family.
It has been decades since I’ve seen Elvin. He was one of my favorite people while growing up in Murfreesboro Baptist Church. I moved away and there are many things that were forgotten over time, but I will never forget his beautiful voice or spirit. God bless.
Elvin was always a joy to be with and a fountain of good conversation. His sweet, gentle manner will be missed. So sorry for your loss, Candy and Family. Praying you’ll be comforted by loving memories.
Elvin is surely singing in the Heavenly choir. Sending comfort and prayers to the family.
Candace i’m so very sorry for your loss.
Great man who raised 3 very good kids my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry for your loss. I know he and Beryl will have a great time “catching up” in their heavenly home.
So sorry for your loss….Mr. Parker was a sweet person. Prayers for all the family……
WE SEND OUR LOVE AND SINCERE SYMPATHY TO ALL OF ELVIN’S FAMILY!
SINCERELY! GLENN AND FRANCES MARTIN AND FAMILY