Charles Leon Parker

Yadkinville - Charles Leon Parker, 75, went to be with his Heavenly Father early in the morning of Thanksgiving, November 25, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born November 15, 1946 in Yadkin County to the late Tandy Early Parker and Lois Hutchens Parker. He was a shining example of a family man and a leader in the communities he was part of. He was privileged to live his life surrounded by a large extended family in his hometown. He started building his own family with his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Carol McCollum Parker, in 1967. During their nearly 55 years of marriage, Charles served his country in the United States Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC as an air traffic controller, raised 3 children, and was blessed by 5 grandchildren. While he deeply loved all members of his family, his grandchildren stole his heart, who called him “Opa”. He was ever supportive and never missed an opportunity to attend a performance or a sporting event of his children and grandchildren. As a lifelong member of Union Cross Friends Meeting, he held several roles at his church in his years dedicated to the Lord, most notably as their treasurer using his accounting skills from his career as an accounting manager for Campus Partners. After retirement, he maintained his competitiveness and friendships with pickleball, medaling in several Senior Games. With his family and friends, he enjoyed trips to the beach and getting away to play a round of golf. He was an avid fan of the Carolina Tarheels and the Atlanta Braves and enjoyed attending their games with his family. Finally, animals can sense a kind person and he was loved by his lapdog Toby. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Dixon; brother, David Parker. In addition to his wife Carol, he was survived by his children, Kristie (David) Graham, Richie (Stacia) Parker, Zack (Jenna) Parker; grandchildren, Parker Graham, Dawson Graham, Salem Parker, Ian Lowder, Kirby Lowder; sister, Judy Jester; brothers, Jimmy (Janie) Parker, Larry (Ernestine) Parker, Buddy (Carolyn) Parker; and several nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Union Cross Friends by Dr. Robin Dixon, the Rev. Jared Warden, and the Rev. Jimmy Lancaster. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military rights by the Yadkin VFW Post 10346. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. Memorials can be made to Union Cross Friends Building Fund, 2533 Union Cross Church Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Parker family. Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.