Thomas Lewis Parker, Sr.

On August 15, 1944, Thomas Lewis Parker, Sr. was born in Gates County, NC as the third child to the late Hill Parker and Mary W. Bond Parker. He attended primary school through high school in Gates County, graduating in 1964. Thomas pursued a military career in the US Army in 1964, married the love of his life, Ida Bell Riddick in March 1965, and to this union, they were blessed with three beautiful children – Teresa, Thomas, and Tracey. He nobly served his country in the Vietnam War and traveled to various countries, receiving several accolades, honors, and medals. Retiring in 1987, he later was employed as a Corrections Officer at Indian Creek Correctional Center in Chesapeake, VA and a Landscaper at S.D. Ashe Inc in Yorktown, VA. Thomas accepted Christ and was a member at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, serving as a member of the Trustee Board and singing in the Male & Gospel Choruses. He enjoyed baking, grilling, landscaping, traveling abroad, and making memories with family and friends. In addition, he had a great passion for westerns and sports, especially his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Ida; his baby girl, Tracey; and siblings Benjamin, Mary Betty, and Ida Pearl. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Teresa (Daniel) and Thomas (Benita); his siblings, Fred, John (Barbara), Elbert, Louetta (Jerry), Rachel and Randolph (Eartha); sisters-in-law, Beulah, Judy, Mary Carlise, and Joyce; brothers-in-law, Larry (Mary), Sylvester, and William; grandchildren, Shandra, Krystal, Tai, Josiah, Bethany, Patrick, Gabriel, and Eden; great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Thomas, affectionately known as “Poppy”, will be remembered for his smile, jovial personality, and sense of humor. A public viewing will be held 4:00 - 6:00pm, Sunday, February 20, 2022 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel. A celebration of life will be held 1:00pm, Monday, February 21, 2022 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 60 St. Paul Lane, Sunbury, NC, 27979. Mr. Parker will be laid to rest at 9:00am on Friday, March 11, 2022 at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA, 23434. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any sympathy cards be mailed to 2456 Cherry Blossom Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Lewis Parker, Sr., please visit our flower store.