Jerry Lester Parker, 79, of Rockingham, passed away surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023 at Richmond County Hospice Haven.
Jerry was born in Troy on Sept. 11, 1944. He was a son of Lester and Maggie Parker.
Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, Anjinora Smith, Billy Parker, Roger Parker, Thomas Parker and Robert Parker. He is also predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Gloria Jeanette Shephard.
Jerry was a hardworking man that spent most of his life working in the textile industry. Jerry served as captain and later on as chief of the Rockingham Rescue Squad and had a major hand in helping to raise the funding of the new building.
Outside of work, Jerry loved a good western show like “Gun Smoke” and “The Andy Griffin Show.” On Sunday mornings, Jerry and his oldest daughter, Lynn, would sit in his bedroom and listen to gospel music. “Rough Side of the Mountain” was one of his favorite songs to listen to. Jerry never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially when it came to his children and grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his children, Lester Clyde Parker (Kim) of Kernersville, Jerry Lynn Stephens of Rockingham, Lisa Mead (Tim) of Rockingham, Jonathan Earl Parker of Rockingham, Donny Lee Parker (Crystal) of Hamlet and Tammy Parker Hatcher (Eric) of Rockingham. Jerry leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by everyone whoever had a chance to be acquainted by him.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 at Oak Ridge Baptist Church located at 261 Oak Ridge Church Road in Hamlet. Services will immediately follow with the Rev. Donald Ray Morton and the Rev. June Grant officiating. Burial will be at Richmond Memorial Park.
The family will also receive friends and visitors at other times at 114 Hammond St. in Rockingham.
Online condolences can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting the Parker family.
