Donald Ray Parker

Donald Ray Parker passed away peacefully on May 3, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at age 78. His life from humble beginnings led to great determination, sharp business acumen, strong faith, and significant achievement.

Donald, son of the late Earnest and Ellen Parker, was born on February 21, 1946 at the Woodrow Wilson Hospital. At an early age, Donald learned the responsibilities and rewards of hard work and entrepreneurship. He and his twin brother, Ronald, would forego sports activities to work with their father in a multitude of small businesses. Donald graduated from Farmville High School in 1964, and later studied business at Campbell College in Buies Creek. His peers elected him as president of the freshman class. In 1967, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Illinois. He was deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam War and served four years in the military.

Donald returned to Farmville in 1971, at the age of 24, to assume control of the family grain business alongside Ronald, after their father passed away. Donald had forward focus for detail and customer service. He would spend nights, weekends, holidays, and even work through storms to provide superior services for farmers, continuing the family legacy. The brothers successfully grew Parker Grain Company into the preferred commodities broker for farmers across Eastern North Carolina. Donald helped transition the family business into a commercial real estate enterprise with the sale of a 2,700 acre farm to Texas Gulf Coast. The real estate business continues to this day.

Community roots were meaningful to Donald and his life’s work. When Hurricane Floyd hit Eastern North Carolina in 1999, and caused extensive destruction in Farmville and Tarboro, Donald and Ronald raised relief funds to help neighbors who lost their homes to the flood. Donald also served as a commissioner on the BB&T Bank of Farmville Board of Directors for 32 years, and several years in the role of board chairman.

Donald married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betsy” Darden in 1969 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Farmville. The pair enjoyed an active lifestyle. It was filled with traveling to tropical paradises, alongside loved ones and friends. Donald enjoyed cooking for Betsy and his three precious children. He used his own personal touch and a family recipe to make delicious southern biscuits. The Crystal Coast held a special place in Donald’s life. He and Betsy enjoyed spending time at their second residence in Emerald Isle.

Donald had a great love for gospel music and worshipped at various Christian churches around Pitt County. These experiences strengthened his faith and drew him closer to the Lord.

Golf was one of Donald’s greatest passions. It was a sport he perfected for a majority of his life. He was a three-time club champion at Farmville Golf and Country Club, and is credited with 16 hole-in-ones at various courses throughout the country. Donald’s go to golf partner was Ronald, and they played thousands of rounds near and far. While their competitive spirit may have showed on the greens, their love for each other was unmatched. The brothers attended 22 Masters Tournaments in a row from 1970-1992. It was a week Donald always looked forward to, from watching Jack Nicklaus tournament wins to catching up with old pals. Donald met many lifelong friends on the golf course, a place with cherished memories.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” Darden Parker; his daughter, Meredith Parker Weeks; his son, Michael Lance Parker and wife, Sammi; his son, John Christian Parker; beloved grandchildren, Jaxon Hayes Parker, Ashby Elizabeth Weeks, Emma Burnette, Raygan Guerrero (Marcus); many nephews, nieces, and cousins, who were special to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Earl and Ellen Marie Parker; and brother Earnest Earl Parker Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday May 8th at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Farmville, NC, 3653 E Wilson St. Farmville, NC 27828 Visitation to follow at the conclusion of the service.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate) and the V Foundation for Cancer Research (https://www.v.org/).
 

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.

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