Charles Edward Parker

Charles Edward (Bill) Parker, 84, of Roanoke, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 16, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sandy and Ruby Parker; wife, Clara Kitts; daughter, Katherine "Kitty" Terry; brothers, Dewey E., Jack L., and Kenneth F. Parker; and sister, Edna C. Bailey. Mr. Parker served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a retired employee of the U.S. Postal Service, first serving as a letter carrier then as a district manager. He served as President of NALC, branch 524 for eight years. He was a member of Melrose Baptist Church and the Grace Sunday School Class. Included among the many loves of his life were fishing, antique cars, and family gatherings. He will long be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and stepfather.
Surviving are his wife of 16 years, Carol S. Parker; daughter, Anita (Tina) Gibbs and husband, Michael, of Fincastle; stepdaughter, Tasha Campbell and husband, Rodney, of Roanoke; grandchildren, Caryn T. Connor and husband, Tracy, Lisa Shockley and husband, Bobby, and Christian Michael Gibbs, all of Roanoke; greatgrandchildren, Beverlie and Evan Connor; sisters, Gladys Lester and husband, Ed, of Roanoke, Carolyn Mitchell and husband, Lewis, of Moneta, and Pat Brooks and husband, Dave, of Roanoke; brother, Herman Parker and wife, Donna, of Rocky Mount; lifelong friend, Thomas (Tommy) Assaid, of Roanoke; numerous nieces and nephews; and his devoted K-9 companion, Willie.
Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be made to Melrose Baptist Church, 3520 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009, at Melrose Baptist Church by the Rev. Larry Sprouse, the Rev. Brenda Rowe, and the Rev. Paris Bain. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, 540-366-0707.