Frederick Pope Parker III

Born on September 4, 1939, in Goldsboro, North Carolina to Fred P. Parker Jr. and Mary Borden Parker, Fred showed an early affinity for leadership and sportsmanship which he pursued throughout his life. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and excelled on athletics fields, including those of the Goldsboro High Earthquakes. Although Fred would later spend most of his days in Raleigh, he never strayed from his Wayne County roots, or its barbecue.

In 1957, Fred began his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, he proudly served as captain of the Tar Heels soccer team and competed on the track team, earning membership in UNC’s Monogram Club. Academically, Fred achieved high marks and was named to the All-ACC Honor Roll. He joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity where he met many lifelong friends and earned the nickname “Quake.” Fred graduated in 1961 with Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his education in Chapel Hill for three more years at the UNC School of Law, graduating in 1964. Fred’s love for UNC extended to all disciplines, and he remained a fervent supporter of UNC and the ATO organization.

Shortly after admission to the North Carolina Bar in 1964, Fred became a trial attorney with the North Carolina Department of Justice. In 1970, he was appointed Executive Secretary of the North Carolina Bar Association. Governor Robert W. Scott awarded him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In May 1973, Fred became the Executive Secretary for the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners, a position he held for over forty years due to his meticulous work and commitment to the legal profession. He was active in the Wake County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National Association of Bar Executives, and the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Work often took Fred on the road, and he came to know and appreciate our country’s variety of locales. He fancied the Windy City in particular, and numerous Chicagoans adopted him as one of their own.

Fred possessed a zest for life – he was often spotted out and about with friends and family sharing stories, laughter, and a glass of wine. He enthusiastically participated for decades in numerous organizations, including the Sphinx Club of Raleigh, the Terpsichorean Club, the Carolina Country Club, the Raleigh Arts Commission, the United Arts Council of Raleigh, and the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. One of Fred’s favorite pastimes involved gathering with his close “Hoot Owl” friends for delicious meals and lively discussions. His vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on those around him. As often reported to his family with a smile, “He was Fred.”

In his leisure time, Fred loved to sail, play sports, and read. He proudly competed in the annual UNC Soccer Alumni Game well into his late 60s. His library was well stocked in many subjects, notably that involving our nation’s history. He was an active member of the Society of the Cincinnati, a prestigious organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the memory of the patriotic sacrifices that secured American liberty.

Fred was predeceased by his parents and wife, Elizabeth (“Betty Anne”) Graham Parker.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Kent Parker Hill, and her husband Karl Neimann Hill III; son Fred Parker and his wife Nicole Parker; and four grandchildren Karl Neimann Hill IV, Borden Parker Hill, Wiley Becton Parker, and Chase Hallett Parker. He is also survived by his sister Susan P. Parker and brother E.B. Borden Parker.

Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will follow in the church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, Christ Episcopal Church, or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Cardinal at North Hills and Compassionate Care Providers for their care and dedication to Fred.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.