Larry T. "Poppi" Parker, Sr.

Larry Tyrone Parker, Sr. of Chester, VA, gained his wings on January 1, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. Larry T. Parker Sr., affectionately known as “Poppi,” was born June 24, 1955, to Walter Parker, Sr. and Ethel Lee Parker in Emporia, VA. Larry was the eldest of four sons.

He graduated from Greensville County High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed in the Philippines, he met the love of his life, Linda, and they remained married for 45 years. Together they raised two children and remained active in the lives of their five grandchildren. Larry retired from FCI Petersburg as a Firearms Instructor in 2010.

Larry was predeceased by his father, Walter Parker, Sr., and mother, Ethel Parker, as well as his mother-in-law, Rosario Balilo, who he cared for in her last days.

Larry leaves behind to cherish his memory devoted wife, Linda Parker; his children, daughter, Kameko Parker-Preston (Major), son, Larry Parker, Jr. (Nichelle) and daughter, Trina Tennessee-Young.

He will be forever cherished and remembered by his five grandchildren, Syniyah Parker, Major Preston, Jr., Maxximus Preston, MaKenzie Preston, and Phoenix Parker. Each of them would say that they were his favorite…because he told them all they were every time he saw them. Last but not least, he leaves his extremely devoted fur companions, Coco, Boom and Barksdale. He was genuinely devoted and engaged in his family’s lives and never missed the opportunity to share a life lesson, whether solicited or not.

His memory will continue through his brothers, Ronald Parker, Andre Parker Sr., and Walter Parker, Jr.; nieces, Mia Parker and Keondra Rogers; nephews, Brandon Robinson and Andre Parker II.; along with a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins,  extended family and friends.

He was not perfect, but he was imperfectly perfect to those closest to him. His family will miss his big laugh, love of Sci-Fi, seeing him read a book inch thick, and talking trash, usually in defense of his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.

Life is not measured in how many breaths we take, but in the moments that take our breath away, and all that knew Larry, knew this is how he lived his life. He definitely did it his way, and he will truly be missed.

A memorial service will be held 12:00 Noon, Sunday, January 8, 2023, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Vernon Billy Lee, Sr., eulogist.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.