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1916
2016
Willard Meachem Parker, Sr., 100 years, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2016, at his home.
Willard, affectionately known as "Parker" by friends and family, was born November 19, 1916 in Mecklenburg County. Parker entered the Methodist Orphanage in 1922 and graduated in 1937. During that time, he played football for Needham Broughton High School between 1935-1936.
Parker met his wife, Lucille "Lucy" Pepper, at the Methodist Orphanage, and they married in 1937. He joined the Raleigh Police Department as a downtown street beat officer in 1940. Parker entered the United States Navy in 1945, serving at Bainbridge, VA for seven months as Seaman Second Class. He received an honorable discharge on November 30, 1945.
After discharge from the Navy, Parker returned to the Raleigh Police Department that same year. In 1950 he was promoted to Detective Sergeant, Identification Specialist and joined the City County Bureau of Identification (CCBI). He was Raleigh's first fingerprint identification specialist. In 1975 his title changed to Wake County Deputy Sheriff. Parker was a member of the Raleigh PD pistol team and was an accomplished marksman. He received numerous trophies during the years for his marksmanship. In 1982, Parker retired from the CCBI after 42 years of distinguished service as an expert in his field and a valued law enforcement team member. For many years he enjoyed the distinguished title of Raleigh's oldest retired police officer, for which he was very proud.
In his younger years, Parker was an avid fisherman and he and Lucy always looked forward to vacationing at their beloved Minnesott Beach, NC. He had a great love for animals and would feed the many creatures who visited his backyard, which included birds, a feral cat, raccoons, red fox, and possums. It was always a surprise to see who would show up for dinner.
Parker is survived by his daughter, Shirley Parker Rol (Mark); five grandchildren: Jennifer Jackson Anderson (Greg) of Gallatin Gateway, MT; Marianne Jackson Amsden (John) of Bozeman, MT; Mark W. Jackson (Kelly) of Jacksonville, FL; and Cheré Parker Link (Kevin) of Baker, WV., and 14 great grandchildren. Parker was predeceased by his wife, Lucille Pepper Parker; son, Willard M. Parker, Jr., daughter, Mary Jo Parker Jackson; and grandson, David A. Parker.
The family extends its love and gratitude to close friend, Rachel Turner, for her friendship and support to dad for many years and also to the friends and neighbors in the Glenwood-Brooklyn community for the many kindnesses extended to him.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 6, 2016 at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington St, Raleigh, NC 27605.
www.brownwynne.com
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March 22, 2017
Teacher
Ron Berger
He and Harry Lauter made a great acting team as "Texas Rangers."
January 5, 2017
Nelda Holder
Mr. Parker, who was my son's nextdoor neighbor, knew my mother (Alice Beaman) at the Methodist Orphanage. He told my son that she used to cut his hair! What a "small world" made them neighbors so many years later. My condolences to his family members, and my salute to him and the spirit that served him so well for 100 years.
January 4, 2017
Megan Clark
So happy for the opportunity to help celebrate his special 100th birthday recently. It was wonderful to visit with him and reflect on fond memories as a child playing with their sweet dog, Pepper. Your father's kindness and patience with my playing is vividly remembered, while mom and Aunt Lucille would visit and talk. And talk they would! Love to you and the family, Shirley Jean.
January 4, 2017
Theresa Micol
January 4, 2017
Theresa Micol
Fond memories of Uncle Willard, from when he made sure I got to skate at Brook's skating rink...when, as a Raleigh Detective, let me go 'fingerprinting' with him on a robbery. He was a man of little conversation, but with a 'wink' he said much. A good, strong man. He is at last with
'His Lucy, Willard, Jr., and daughter Mary Jo
Thoughts are with you, Shirley, Mark, and his grandchildren. In Kindred Spirit, Cousin Theresa.
January 4, 2017
We are saddened at your loss, Shirley. You know your Dad loved you very much. He will be missed by many, especially you and the family. Love to you and Mark, Barb & Bill - Kentucky
January 3, 2017
My deepest sympathy in your loss. Thinking of and praying for the family.
Sharon S
Paducah, KY
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Jan
6
1:00 p.m.
Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605
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Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605
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