Albert Preston Parker

Albert "Al" Preston Parker, 93, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center.

Born in Charlotte on July 30, 1932, Al was the son of Vivian Edwards Parker and Alexander Cicero Parker. He grew up on a family farm at the corner of Carmel and Sharon View Road. He graduated from Charlotte Central High School in 1950. During high school, Al began what would become a lifelong partnership with his future wife and the love of his life, Carolyn Winterling Parker. He famously picked her up each morning in his Model T Ford on their way to school. The two married in 1954, and a year later, Al graduated from NC State University with a degree in Construction Engineering and a commission in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Al served his country with distinction, spending eight years on active duty and in the reserves. He was the company commander of the 432nd Engineering Pipeline Company in Charlotte and later served as an advisor to the Selective Service System.

Professionally, Al spent over three decades with the Bell System, beginning with Southern Bell and continuing through the divestiture and transition to AT&T. Most of his career was in the outside plant department, responsible for the physical infrastructure of telephone service. His work placed him at the center of many historic moments - including coordinating the communications network for the press and family at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s home in Atlanta after his assassination. Al retired in 1989 as District Operations Manager for North and South Carolina after 34 years of service.

Al and Carolyn shared a deep love for the water. Both were passionate boaters - of both sail and power - and were longtime, active members of the United States Power Squadrons (now America's Boating Club). Together, they served at the local, district, and national levels, earning advanced certifications in celestial navigation. Al remained active in that organization until his death, with over 50 years of service. Al also served five years on the Lake Norman Marine Commission, including a term as chairman.

The Parkers were avid DIYers long before it was trendy, restoring multiple rental properties and building their beloved mountain retreat - the "Briar Patch" - near Boone, NC, with their eldest son, Alan.

Above all, Al will be remembered for his deep devotion to family, his commitment to service, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn. He is survived by his three children: Alan Andre Parker, Eric Lee Parker (Ashley), and Susan Parker Hitchcock (Robert); and three grandchildren: Preston Hitchcock, Grayson Parker, and Caroline Hitchcock.

The family would like to extend their thanks to some special people in Al's life - Liz Roberts, Cherelle Burkle, Shirley Carpenter, and Russ Cossaboon who all helped him in countless ways in and around his home. A private family celebration of his life will occur at a later time.