John Stephen Parker

1946 - 2021

John Stephen Parker

June 1, 1946 - May 20, 2021

Mr. John Stephen Parker, 74, of Hickory, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and children, following a courageous 14 month battle with cancer.

John was born June 1, 1946, in Burke County, to the late Osco Parker and Dora Allison Parker, where he was one of nine children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Nelda Parker Huffman, Shirley Parker Workman, Lois Jean Sorrells, and Nancy Parker Lingerfelt; brothers-in-law, Eulas Lynn and Eugene Bowman; and by several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his wife and best friend, Karen Parker; children, Christine Parker Mackie, Chrissy Chaffin-Spear (Allen), Allison Ward (Robert), Jesse Parker (Tasha), and Evan Travis (Melonie); grandchildren, Brittiany (Joey), Kristian, Parker (Caitlin), Derek, Amber, Noah, Kathryn, Anna, Grace, Jack, Jacob, Daniel, Rachel, Evan, Baily, and Kaylee;

great-grandchildren, Brennan, Ella, Lucy, Henry, Charlie Grace, Coraline, Madison, and Henry; siblings, Louise Bowman (Glenn), Carole Lynn, James Parker (Janice), and Jerry Parker (Faith); brothers-in-law, Bobby Fortenberry (Lisa), Kenneth Fortenberry (Wanda), Harold Workman, Don Lingerfelt, Charles "Monk" Huffman; sister-in-law, Lora Fortenberry; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dogs, Noel and Angel, and numerous cats.

John lived an eventful life. He served in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman stationed in Alaska. He owned Parker Carpet Service, where he installed carpet and flooring for over 50 years. He had also served as president of the Hickory Hawks Motorcycle Club, which later became known as the Street Survivors.

One of the things that John enjoyed most was helping others. He loved being a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners, and he especially loved raising funds for the Shriners, the Elk Lodge (of which he was not a member), VFW, and the American Legion (for which he helped for 50 years).

Additionally, something that John expressed often, particularly after initially being diagnosed with cancer, was his disappointment that he'd no longer be able to donate blood. John had begun to fully understand the importance of donating blood when he donated blood before his son, Jesse, had surgery at age two. Ever since then, it had been a very important part of his life. It was incredibly humbling for those around him to realize that not being able to help someone else was one of his first concerns after his own diagnosis. This just shows how selfless and altruistic he was.

He was also a proud member of the AMA (American Motorcycle Association), NRA (National Rifle Association), and Catawba Valley Harley Owners Riding Group (HOG). He and Karen rode coast to coast many times over the years.

He and Karen loved riding motorcycles. John also loved keeping his bird feeders full, cooking and taking care of his garden, tending to his ever-growing herd of stray cats, and pretending to be annoyed by his house dogs (while simultaneously cuddling with them).

He was so strong to survive 14 months against impossible odds, after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastasized Pancreatic Cancer, with the constant, unwavering, and faithful support of his wife, Karen. There aren't adequate words to describe the determination and fortitude John had shown through the many ups and downs this past year. Karen has always been a force of nature and John was blessed to have her taking care of him and making sure he had everything he could want.

It is said that people can continue to live on through the lives they have influenced and stories that we share, and John has left no lack of either. In his life, he has met numerous friends, loved his family strongly, and given countless stories to share. In these ways, we will continue to see him wherever we go.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, at Wilkies Grove Baptist Church with the Revs. Ernie Richards and Thurman Roe officiating. Interment will follow at Wilkies Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday, May 24, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Heritage Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Catawba Valley Shrine Club; or Wilkies Grove Baptist Church. Anyone able is encouraged to donate blood to their local blood bank.

www.heritagefuneralservices.com