Obituary of Russell Parker

Russell Parker, 68, gained his angel wings and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 18, 2020. He was surrounded by his family. Russell was born on March 23, 1952, to the late Jesse and Pearl Parker in Windsor, NC. From a very early age he was a member of Sandy Point Baptist Church. Known as “Tote Boy” to his family, Russell was very family oriented, and a loving son who cared deeply for his parents and siblings. He attended Southwestern High School. Soon after, he relocated to Norfolk, VA and found his independence, where he met Alice Freeman, who eventually gave birth to his one and only daughter. His tenacity afforded him a State position at Hampton Roads Sanitation District where he started out as a carpenter. Through hard work and dedication, he eventually moved up the ladder and became a Heavy Machine Operator. After years of service, he was able to retire early. Shortly after retirement, he provided exceptional work services to Freedom Ford Dealership, where he worked until he started to have issues with his sight. Alongside his work ethic, Russell loved to travel, entertain, and spend time with his grandchildren. He was absolutely the GOAT, grandfather of all time. He was kind, loving, giving, very modest, caring, and the smoothest man to know. Russell spent his days cooking, watching westerns, game shows, and his favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles in the fall, and was an avid car lover. Spiritually, he loved the Lord, loved to pray, and loved quartet singing groups. Eventually, Russell moved to Rochester, NY to the care of his loving daughter and family. During his last days, Russell was happy to be with family who loved and cared about him deeply. Russell was predeceased by his parents, Jesse and Pearl Parker; Siblings, Fred Parker, Matthew Parker, William Parker, Richard Parker, Randolph Parker, and Jesse Jr. Parker. Russell leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Barbara McClary (Dwayne) of Rochester, NY. Granddaughters; Faith Freeman of Norfolk, VA. Déjà Freeman-Williams, Imari Daniels, and Imani-Hope McClary of Rochester, NY. Tierra McClary of Buffalo, NY. Grandson; Mark McClary of Rochester, NY. Great Grandsons; Jo’elle Freeman and JaMonte Wilson of Norfolk, VA. Siblings; Lizzie Gadsden (Namon) of Philadelphia, PA. Bobby Parker (Karen) and Annie B. Williams of Windsor, NC. A special friend, Joyce Green of Norfolk, VA. A dear aunt and uncle, Meta Thomas of Norfolk, VA and David Sanderlin of Philadelphia, PA. Cousins, who were more like brothers and sisters, and a host of nieces and nephews.