Anthony E. Parker

SOUTHERN PINES - Anthony Elwood "Tony" Parker, 73, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2010, of a sudden heart attack. Tony Parker was a husband, brother, father and grandfather. He served the town of Southern Pines and the county of Moore. Tony Parker will be remembered for being a public servant and businessman. He was at peace when he was working hard and helping others. Tony Parker was born in a tenant house owned by Pinehurst Inc. on April 13, 1937. His father, Dempsey Elwood Parker was employed as a groundskeeper at the Pinehurst golf courses; and his mother, Pauline Moore, was a practical nurse. His parents are from families with deep roots in Moore County, for many generations. Educated in Moore County and known for his athletic ability, Tony attended Guilford College for two years. He then worked as a real estate appraiser, working all over North Carolina from the mountains to the coast. He spent eight years in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of sergeant, E-6. Many will remember him as the longtime former owner and manager of Parker Hardware & Supply Co. for 25 years in Southern Pines, as well as Parker Real Estate & Appraisal Co., and more recently Tee Pee Collectibles in Cameron. Tony was an active political participant and former two term Moore County Commissioner. Active in community affairs, Tony was a past member of the Jaycees, Rotary, Elks, Southern Pines Volunteer Fire Department, Community Congregational Church, Historical Society, Genealogical Society, Wildlife Club, and Farmers Market Committee. He served on the boards of the Moore County Public Library and Department of Social Services. His hobbies included genealogy and local history. He was a big collector of coins, knives and guns. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and Sons of the Revolution. He authored the Guide to Moore County Cemeteries. For the past 17 1/2years, Tony has served the community as Moore County's historian, based within the county library system. He made himself available to advise anyone who was interested in his passions, local history and genealogy. Tony is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Doris Wallace Parker; brother, Robert Grier Parker of Glen Allen, Va.; son, John Dempsey Parker of Raleigh; and three grandchildren, Lila Jeannette, James Dempsey and Sawyer Davis. Tony Parker valued hard work, self-reliance, sacrificial service, freedom, family, the great outdoors, entrepreneurship, and America's promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Tony was a storyteller. He was down-to-earth and had a fighter's spirit. Tony Parker was a team player, a team builder, and a team leader with high expectations of himself and others. He was big-hearted, spirited, warm, and dependable to his family and friends. His grandchildren remember him as being simply wonderful, fun, and a joy. He had a loud growl and a big laugh. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Moore County Community Foundation, in honor of Tony Parker, for the purpose of strengthening Moore County in ways that honor his values and concerns. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 2708, Southern Pines, NC 28388. Services will be held Saturday, June 26, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home & Crematory in Southern Pines. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.