Paul Edwin Parker

Dr. Paul Edwin Parker March 16, 1945 – June 9, 2025 Dr. Paul Edwin Parker, 80, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 9, 2025, in DeLand, Florida. A devoted father, grandfather, brother, physician, and friend, Paul lived a life marked by curiosity, kindness, and service to others. Born on March 16, 1945, in Texarkana, Arkansas, Paul was the son of Anna Louise Wilde Parker and William Edwin Parker. Known for his welcoming spirit and endless curiosity- He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with warmth and genuine interest. He was always eager to learn how things worked-whether it was the human body, a plane, or a piece of history. Dr. Parker's educational journey reflected his lifelong passion for learning. He earned a BS in Biology from Southern Methodist University (1967), an MS in Cardiovascular Physiology from North Texas State University (1969), a PhD in Cardiovascular Physiology from Michigan State University (1973), and an MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School (1986). He completed his internship in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and a residency in Anesthesiology at the University of North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill. Dr. Parker served as an Anesthesiologist at Pardee Hospital and was a beloved physician within the Hendersonville community, where he and his late wife, Deborah, chose to settle and raise their family. His work was driven not only by intellect but also by compassion and deep respect for the human experience. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville, NC, and later attended Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Port Orange, FL. He also served as a docent at the Western North Carolina Air Museum, and was involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American Heart Association, American Medical Association, North Carolina Medical Society, Society for Regional Anesthesia, and the NRA. Dr. Parker found joy in life's details- Paul was a scuba diving instructor and had a deep love for airplanes, motorcycles, cars, and World War I and II history and memorabilia. He also had a deep appreciation for good whiskey, a cold beer, and a well-cooked meal-especially when shared with those he loved. Above all, Paul's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his children, Austin Parker (Kaylee) and Courtney Parker; his grandchildren, Grayson, Hayden, Charlotte, Norah, and Hazel Parker; his sister, Elizabeth Tenison (Hugh); and his niece, Meredith Jain (Animesh), along with their children Maya Louise, Avni Elizabeth, Naveen Paresh Jain. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deborah Hancock Parker; his son, David Wayne Parker; and his parents, Anna and William Parker. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28739. All who knew and loved Dr. Parker are welcome. In honoring his memory, we celebrate a life of curiosity, compassion, and unshakable love for family. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught us-be kind, stay curious, and always keep learning.