Phillip Russell Parker

Deacon Phillip Russell Parker was born on October 31, 1945, in Whaleyville, Virginia from the union of the late Thomas and Leno Parker. He attended Southwestern High School where he graduated in 1966. He played football, the game he loved, as an offensive and defensive tackle. His skills on the field earned him the name, “Big Daddy.” Even though they had known each other as children, it was in High School that he and Viola Harrell really connected.

Phillip and Viola joined hearts in holy matrimony on August 3, 1968, in the state of New York. Although they were unable to have children of their own, they were blessed with a vast number of godchildren. The Lord was kind enough to give them the opportunity to raise Sandra Boswell-Samuels and Pastor Terrell O. Wiggins as their very own children. However, he was a father figure to so many and affectionally known as “Uncle Phil” to everyone.

Deacon Parker was a hard worker and an outstanding provider for his family. Professionally, he dedicated 38 years of service to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a Shipfitter and briefly worked at Newport News Shipbuilding prior to transitioning to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Upon retirement, he assumed full responsibility for the joint ownership of “Viola’s Place.” He loved to be well-dressed in his suits, but it was an even greater joy for him to see others looking good.

Beyond the love of family and community, he loved his church. He got his start in the church at Mineral Spring Baptist Church of Whaleyville, Virginia. Upon marrying his wife, he transitioned his membership to the New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministry. Phillip was ordained as a Deacon under the Pastorate of the late Bishop W.P. Wiggins, Sr. He served his church and Pastor well for over 40 years. Through the elevation of his wife to the office of Pastor, he became the First Gentleman of New Mt. Joy where he displayed himself as an example of Godly submission as a man under authority.

On January 25, 2023, Deacon Phillip Parker heard the master’s call and slipped into eternal rest at Sentara Obici Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Parker and Leno Parker, one sister, Lovell Walton, and one brother, Harvey Parker. He leaves to cherish his life and memory: his wife of 55 years, Bishop Viola Parker; one son, Pastor Terrell O. Wiggins (Lady Alicia); one daughter, Sandra Boswell-Samuels (Curtis); special niece, Missionary Dianne Minggia (Pastor Timothy); special daughter, Shakina Teel; three sisters, Dorothy Parker, Deloris Parker, and Barbara Ann Parker; two brothers, Bobby Collins (Evelyn) and Raleigh Collins (Lilly) of West Virginia; three sisters-in-law, Doris Parker, Elsie Wiggins, Mary Sessoms, and Maebelle Brown (Pastor Ollie);  and a host of nieces, nephews, and god-children.