Fred Carl Parker Sr.

Fred Carl Parker, age 86, of Sylva, N.C., passed away on February 9, 2023.

 

Born July 15, 1936, in Asheville, N.C., to “Fred” Robert Parker and Beulah Faye “Boots” (Powell) Parker, Fred was the quintessential American patriot who served honorably in the U.S. Army, South Carolina Air National Guard (Retired), and Federal Civil Service, U.S. Navy (Retired). 

 

Following retirement, Fred, with his loving and loyal wife, Josefina “Josie” (Mejido) Parker, would enjoy his remaining years in their log cabin nestled atop a pristine mountain community in Sylva, N.C.

 

Fred is survived by his wife “Josie” Parker, brother Bob Parker (Pam), daughter Debbie Mintz; sons Mike Parker (Linda) and Matt Parker (Ana Paula), daughter Veresa Parker; sons Carl Parker (Samantha) and Robert Parker; and several nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

 

His parents, brother Ford Parker, and son Glen A. Parker preceded him in death.

 

Fred never met a stranger and permanently extended helping hands to everyone he met. A conversationalist extraordinaire, he had the innate ability to captivate, educate, and inspire audiences consisting of elementary school children or Navy Flag Officers of various fleets.

 

A master in the arts, trades, and specialties of electronics, plumbing, drafting, architecture, and ship design and construction, Fred could single-handedly design from homes and yachts to U.S. Navy ships. 

 

He was a lifelong student of science and astronomy, and in his later years, when he became a born-again Christian, Fred would often say, “Now I know what I have been missing all my life.”

 

He will be sadly missed, and the legacy of his lessons will remain and continue in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.