TOM PARKER JR.
Tom Wendell Parker Jr., 81, died Saturday at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
A native of Wayne County, he was the son of the late Tom W. Parker Sr. and Lola Edwards Parker. Mr. Parker retired as a supervisor after 41 years of service with Southern Bell Telephone Company. He served his country as a Marine in World War II at Okinawa. He was an avid sailor and was a member of the Pioneers of Southern Bell, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Elks Lodge #139 B.P.O.E. On October 15, 1952, while working for Southern Bell Telephone, Mr. Parker rushed to save Robert Howell who had been critically injured by a tractor in a nearby field. For this heroic act, Mr. Parker received the highest award from Southern Bell Telephone, the Theodore Newton Vail Award, which is given for noteworthy public service.
A graveside service with Elk rites will be conducted Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Willow Dale Cemetery. The Rev. Hunter Preston will officiate.
Mr. Parker is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Tony Farmer of Goldsboro; his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Janet Parker of Marietta, Ga.; a brother-in-law, W.R. "Bud" Mohrmann of Goldsboro; and his grandchildren, Parker Farmer of Goldsboro, Michael, Stacey, and Scott Parker, all of Atlanta, Ga., and Allen and Matthew Parker of Marietta, Ga. He is also survived by his niece, Bennett Womack of Ringgold, Ga., and his nephews, Ben Daniels III of Goldsboro and Bill Mills of Chicago, Ill.; a special friend, Gladys Willie Jackson of Goldsboro, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Parker; a son, T.W. Parker III; and three sisters, Dorothy Mohrmann, Fanny Parker and Ann Mills.
Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, N.C., 27834; or to the charity of one's choice.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home and also this evening at the residence in the Grantham community, 1850 Hwy. 13 South, Goldsboro. Following the service on Wednesday, the family and friends will return to the residence for a meal.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 9, 2004 1:50 PM