July 10, 2011

Ray Delano Parker Sr., 68, of 639 First Ave., Suffolk, Va., peacefully passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2011, at Sentara Heart Hospital. Mr. Parker was born on June 25, 1943, to the late Emily Elizabeth Parker and the late John Boykins, of Suffolk, Va.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 41 years, Mrs. Joann Parker. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brothers Alvin E. Parker Sr. and wife Marion, and Henry Lee Peebles. He also will be missed by his sisters-in-law, Eloise Ellen Folk and husband Tony, and Sonya Parker. Mr. Parker is additionally survived by his cherished children, Erika Cole and husband Jason, Rhonda Poole and husband Harold, Ray Parker Jr. and wife Sherena, Latanya Hamlin and husband Clyde, London Mullen, Phoenix Long, Lakita Savage, John Ruffin, Samuel Parker, Ashley Parker, Mytia Giggetts, Katelyn Jackson, Pam Wilson and Cordillia Spencer. He also leaves behind 16 precious grandchildren, a treasured host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Parker worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for 31 years, retiring as a pipefitter foreman in 2000. After retiring, he worked in several capacities exploring his varied interests in transportation, carpentry and the culinary arts while employed at the Western Tidewater Mental Health Center. He re-retired from this facility in 2010 to finally relax and enjoy more time with the love of his life, his wife Joann and his dear family. Mr. Parker was also a veteran of the U.S. Army and an active member of Galatians United Church of Christ, serving on the ushers ministry and the Male Fellowship Board. Ray Parker loved the Lord and his family with all his heart. If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.

Along with his parents, Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his eldest brother, John Parker.

A funeral service will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2011, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 125 County St., Suffolk, Va., with the Rev. Dr. Madelene Flood Beard officiating. The interment will be held at Carver Memorial Cemetery, 2320 E. Washington St., Suffolk, Va., immediately following the ceremony. Subsequently, the family will receive friends at the church for the repast. Prior to funeral services, the family will receive friends for the wake on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Crocker Funeral Home, 900 E. Washington St., Suffolk, Va.

The family suggests all contributions in Ray Parker’s memory be made in his name to his church, Galatians United Church of Christ in Suffolk, Va., or to the Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, Va.