Birth Date: 02/27/1938
Deceased Date: 11/18/2020
Chappell Vail (Dick) Parker, age 82, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, November 18, 2020, at his home. He was born February 27, 1938, to Blanco Bridgers (B.B.) and Clara Parker in Smithfield. He had been married to the love of his life, Molly Russell Parker, for 55 years. He graduated from Pine Level High school and went on to serve in the Navy for 4 years, he then attended Campbell University graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration.
Dick worked with the N.C. Dept of Revenue upon graduation, and then came back home to Pine Level, working at Nationwide Insurance Agency, his Uncle Alton’s Western Auto Store, and then went on to operate Dick Parker Income Tax for 21 years. He then opened Parker Appraisal Group with his son, Derek. He also worked as a security guard for many years. Dick was Scoutmaster of Pine Level Boy Scouts, Troop 63 for 19+ years. He Attended 50+ Camporees and had over 15+ Boys attain Eagle Scout. He hiked 100 miles to Halifax, NC with his son, Drake, and their scout troop. He also traveled with his troop to Washington, DC meeting Ronald Reagan.
He is survived by his wife, Molly Parker; who was the most faithful and caring wife in times of sickness and health; 3 Sons and their wives, All 3 being Eagle Scouts, Russell Drake (Angela), Blanco Derek (Dawn) & Charles David Parker (Mary); Nine Grandchildren to which he was “Papa, Papa Dickie & Grandpa,” Dillon, Ally, Trevor, Delaney, Trace, Dalton, Jared, Deacon, and Tate Parker whom he loved and was very proud of. He kept several of the children before they went to school. He loved taking them to Nursing Homes and Hospitals, and spending many hours riding his golf cart with them.
He is survived by 3 brothers and their wives, Moran Parker, Benny & Beebe Parker, & Z.B. & Ava Parker, and brother and sister in law, Reverend Dr. Charles and Lorraine Russell. He was loved by many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
He was a member of Pine Level Missionary Baptist Church and never wanted to miss his Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Pine Level VFW and Smithfield Light Infantry Camp Sons of Confederacy. Dick was very patriotic and wanted to encourage everyone to remember those who served and gave their lives for our freedom. Dick never met a stranger and always took the time to stop and talk to those he knew and those he did not know.
Family, friends, and others who loved Dick are invited to join the family for a graveside service at Crocker Cemetary, 1945 Pine Level – Selma Rd, Selma, NC on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 11:00 am. A visitation will immediately follow at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to Pine Level Missionary Baptist Church or to the family to help with medical expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
