Charles Benjamin Parker

Charles Benjamin Parker (Charlie), 77, passed from this life to a greater glory the evening of March 8, 2023, with his family at his side. Diagnosed with COPD in 2014, he fought with dogged determination over the past nine years to retain as much of the "normal" in his life as possible. Born to Benjamin and Mary Charles Alexander Parker, he grew up in Marshville, NC where he graduated from Forest Hills High School as a three-sport, lettered athlete. He received a BS degree from Wake Forest University in 1968 and cherished his brotherhood in the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity for the remainder of his life. For over 40 years through good times and bad he and his wife Dee filled their seats for nearly every football and basketball game the Deacs played. Being a part of the Deacon Club was very important in his life. His professional career included six years of teaching and administration in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. In 1974 he transitioned into the business world with Ferguson Enterprises and later HD Supply Company where he worked in both sales and management in Roanoke VA, Columbia SC, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro NC. For the past decade, he enjoyed retirement and the additional time with family and friends which that gave him. Charlie and wife Dee lived in Winston-Salem for the past 40 years and were soon to celebrate their second anniversary in the Brookridge Retirement Community.

Charlie is predeceased by his parents and his one sibling, Elizabeth Parker Sawyer. Surviving to cherish his memory are his life--long friend and spouse, Dewala Pierce Parker, (Dee), with whom he shared a love affair that exceeded 55 years; by his sons, Alexander Scott Parker (Jacksonville FL) and Matthew Benjamin Parker (Charlotte NC) who brought him joy every day of their lives; and by his four "just perfect" grandchildren to whom he was "Big Daddy": Madison Anne, Charles Michael (Charlie), Avery Pierce, and Mary Wynne, all who carry his Parker name. He loved and is loved by his daughters-in-law, Melissa Tate Parker, Megan Wynne Parker, and Kristin Emily Clift and by all of Dee's nieces, nephews and their children. He enjoyed many friendships over the years but none longer nor more treasured than his buddy, Mack William Gaddy, Asheville NC. There are many now-grown men, who as boys at the Y, West Central Gym and the Nationals Ballfield called him Coach and who learned the fundamentals of basketball and baseball, along with the values of commitment and teamwork, under his watch.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 1:00PM in the sanctuary at Parkway Presbyterian Church where Charlie has served as an Elder. His family will be available in the narthex following the service. Memorials to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, (3330 Shorefair Dr NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27105; 336 784 5770) are appreciated. Vogler Funeral & Cremations at Forsyth Memorial Park is assisting the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.voglerfuneralhome.com for the Parker family.