Richard Donell Parker

Richard Donell “Don” Parker, 92, of Kinston, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 12, 2021, at the NC State Veteran’s Home.

Don was born on April 2, 1929, in Wilson, NC. and served in the US Air Force. After serving, he moved to North Carolina. He began driving trucks for Hilco, where he hauled and repaired equipment. Later, he began his career with the City of Kinston, working in Fleet Maintenance as shop foreman. He retired from the City in 2004. Parker’s Garage started as a side hobby and ultimately became his full-time job after retirement. Auto body and repair was his true passion. He was a man of perfection and loved what he did.

Don’s hobbies included flying airplanes, stock car racing and watching NASCAR and Old Country Westerns on television. His favorite hobby of all was being around his family.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, William Andrew Parker, Sr., and Lillie Mae Bridgers Parker. Brothers, JD Parker, WA Parker, Jr., Joseph Parker, Alton Parker, and Bobby Parker; Sisters, Kathleen Parker King, Doris Parker Jeanes, Marcia Parker Heath, and Carole Parker Spence. Former spouses, Charlene Parker, and Rosalie Wright Parker; Daughter, Sherry Parker Whitehead; Grandson, Brian Davis, Granddaughter, Sandra Parker Brunson, and Great grandchildren Ayden Brunson and Orayah Brunson.

Left to cherish his memories include his wife of 41 years, Kathryn Jenkins Parker. Children, Richard “Dicky” Parker (Wanda) of Snow Hill, Carol Helton (Don) of GA., Daniel Parker of Raleigh, Shanie Parker Bellamy (William) of Comfort, James “Jimmy” Parker (Dawn) of Kinston, Robin Sugg (Brad) of LaGrange, Stepdaughter Sue Moody (David) of Kinston, Stepsons Timothy Howard (Elena) of VA., Gary Howard of Kinston, and Sister Arlene Parker Phillips (Sam). Also, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Don will always be remembered as a very dedicated, trustworthy, hard-working man that continuously put his heart and soul into everything he laid his hands on. To know him was to love him.

Visitation to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021, at Garner Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Elder Zeb “Tommy” Heath officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service at Pinelawn Memorial Park with Military Rites. Pallbearers: Andrew Parker, David Parker, Joe King, Tyler Holmes, Georgii Howard, David Moody, Austin Stanley, and Craig Turner. 

A special thank you to all Military Service members, Active and Retired - especially to those that are a part of the WA, Sr., and Lillie Mae Parker family.