Alfred Woodrow Parker

If you noticed the bright shining sun on Wednesday morning, May 8th, 2024, then you certainly noticed the heavens could not contain their glory—their faithful servant Alfred Woodrow Parker, 91, was called home to be with the Lord. Alfred was born on August 8th, 1932, in Gatewood West Virginia to Rupert Parker and Mary Jones—he was the youngest of 8 children.

Raised in the church, his love of the Lord and nature deeply rooted in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. He grew up with an appreciation for his Native American heritage, the land, the rivers, and the Bluegrass sounds of the region--an avid hunter, fisher, and self-taught musician of the guitar and harmonica.

As Alfred began to set a path for his life here on earth, working in coal mines and later serving our Nation in the U.S. Army (ret. 1965) and North Carolina National Guard (ret. 1992), he also began a great journey of the heart with the love of his life, Fonda. The two married on May 7, 1962. In addition to his daughter, Judith Pridgen, they were soon blessed with their three children: Leah Virginia Powell (Tony), Mary Benita Pinkerton (Randy) and Dwayne Alfred (Traci).

In 1966, the couple moved to North Carolina, and he remained here throughout his life. A dedicated Christian member of Cornerstone Church of God for 55 years, he stood strong and steady in his faith and unwavering love for his family and the Lord.

Preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters Dewey, Orvil, Winifred, Ruth, Thelma, Beulah, and Eleanor. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Tony McCarraher, Thomas McCarraher, Gina McCarraher, Christopher Powell, Brittney Powell, Beth Pinkerton, Sarah Pinkerton, Jackson Parker, and Brycen Parker. 12 great grandchildren were added blessings along the way.

Our minds are heavy with grief as we celebrate Alfred W. Parker’s life – an extraordinary example of a life well lived. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. Alfred Woodrow Parker is now at peace with his Savior.

John 14:1-4

Let not your heart be troubled; Ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And whether I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Join the family at Apex Funeral Home on Saturday May 18th, 2024, at 10am for visitation, immediately followed by a service, and graveside burial at Apex Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cornerstone Church of God, 222 Robbins Road, Durham, NC 27703.

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