Barbecue restaurant operator dies at 80
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 23, 2006 1:50 PM
Guy Parker, a restaurateur who helped make Goldsboro a mecca for barbecue lovers, died Saturday.
He was 80.
Parker's Barbecue on South George Street was one of the best-known eateries in this part of the state. Parker, a native of Beaufort, a Marine who served in the Pacific theater and was present at the battle of Iwo Jima, came to Goldsboro after the war.
In 1963, he opened a small restaurant with his wife, Yvonne. For many years, his old-fashioned pit-cooked barbecue was staple fare for Goldsboro residents. The restaurant also served seafood and homestyle cooking.
Through the years, Parker's quiet, unassuming personality made him many friends.
"The term gentleman would sum up Guy Parker," attorney Tom Brown said today. "He was the consummate family man. You could see all the love, care and concern that was shown by his whole family in that restaurant. He was just an outstanding citizen."
Parker is survived by his wife, a daughter, Annette, two sons, Clifton and John, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a brother and two sisters.
Parker had been ill for more than a year, Brown said. The restaurant has been closed for several years.
Brown said many people who knew Parker might not know he was an artist at heart.
"He could create beautiful paintings and other works of art with his hands," Brown said.
His funeral will be held Wednesday at noon at the Bear Creek Missionary Baptist Headquarters.