ROCKY MOUNT – Steven “Steve” Anthony Parker, age 72, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 17, 2023. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on August 23, 1950, he was the son of the late Guy “Bud” Parker and Ocie Joyner Parker. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, William Ralph Jones and Edna Winstead Jones; and his sister, Patsy Joyner.
Steve was a family man, and extremely proud of his wife, daughter, and grandson. He loved nothing better than spending time with them. A man of great faith, he was a member of Southside Baptist Church and adored his church family. Steve was a United States Army veteran, he served in the Korean War. He was known in the community as the “Walking Man”. Steve enjoyed baking cakes. He also loved his Mustangs. No matter where Steve was, he was always working and had a project going on. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him, but his loving spirit will never be forgotten as he was everything to his family.
Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gale Jones Parker, of Rocky Mount; his daughter, Lori Parker Harrell (David Bass); his grandson, Thomas Harrell; his furbaby, Smokey; his sister, Toni Parker Morgan (Randy); his sister-in-laws, Sheila Jones Edwards (Curtis) and Cathy Jones Parker; his special friends, breakfast buddies at Hardee’s; and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor C.J. Cauble officiating. Burial will follow the service at Mill Branch Cemetery in Rocky Mount. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Steve’s memory to his grandson, Thomas Harrell’s Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 2402 Wilson, NC 27894.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Gale,. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am so sorry, STEVE WAS SUCH A KIND AND WONDERFUL PERSON. I KNOW YOU’RE GOING TO MISS HIM BUT YOU HAVE THE CONCELLATION OF KNOWING THAT HE IS NOW IN HEAVEN, LOVE YOU, JOYCE POLAND
Gale and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. He truly was a wonderful man, may God wrap His loving arms around you and your family during this sad time.
Q: How did you meet Steven “Steve”?
A: Steven and I met at Cummins RMEP 20 plus Years ago. Such a great worker and friend. Once retiring I formed a breakfast group with Steven and Larry Alston. We would meet periodically at Nashville Diner on Thursdays. We had such a great time and fellowship. You never saw Steven frowning as he was always smiling. He so loved his family and talked so much of his grandson and of course his Mustang. Missing you already my brother and until we meet again.
Q: How did you meet Steven “Steve”?
A: Steven worked fir Cummins RMEP for 27 years.
Gale, words escape me. My heart goes out to you, Laurie & Thomas. The many laughs and good times we have shared will be cherished forever. We live you my friend ❤️
Gale, our hearts go out to you, Lori (David) and Thomas. He will surely be missed by us all. Please know that we are here for you if you need us, please let us know. Words are just words right now, but you will get through this with the help of family and friends you have to rely on. Please count Audrey and me as family and friend and call on us if you need support. love you Debra and Audrey
My friend, my classmate….a dear dear man…..he will be missed….
Sorry for your loss
Gale and family…tears of sadness for the family and tears of joy knowing where Steve is now. Oh what a great man. We have had some great times together sharing our meetings at the the Pizza Inn . We will cherish the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and knowing God will give you strength during this difficult time.
To my friend Gale and the family. Cliff and I are sending prayers and condolences. I will always cherish our good days @ Cummins and all the funny stories he shared with us to make our days brighter. May God be with you. Love you. 💘 🙏
I’m so sorry to hear this. Lori and family, you’re in my prayers 🙏🏻
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to all the family ❤️
So sorry for your loss!
Gail, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Steve. I was so shocked. You, Lori and Thomas are certainly in my prayers. God wanted a new angel and he certainly got one with Steve. May God give you peace now and the days to come. God Bless you.
Gale, Lori and family, we are so sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. Remembering you in our thoughts and prayers that Our Lord will provide you the peace and comfort you need during this time. 🙏❤️⚘️
With love, Leon and Linda Brantley, Michelle Harper and Robin Hicks
Steven; my coworker, and friend. You were always such a wonderful supporter, trainer, and advisor to anyone and everyone. You are, and will always be truly missed.
My sincere condolences and prayers of strength to the family, for this huge loss.
Dr. Tina Barnes-Small, Cummins Retired
Steve was a great co-worker. I always enjoyed the chats and furniture photo’s of projects he was working on and where the next good auction was going to be. He was a wonderful craftsman. I was glad to know him at Cummins. My condolences to his family.
Q: How did you meet Steven “Steve”?
A: I met Steven at Rocky Mount Engine Plant in the 90s. Having known his lovely wife Gail when she worked at Cummins, it was easy to become friends with Steve and reconnect with Gail.. He was a gentlemen and dearly loved his family and the Lord. We shared our love for anitques and I have several of his finds in our home. Steve was a dear friend.