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Charles Stephenson "Red Dog" Parker
Charles Stephenson "Red Dog" Parker
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Charles Parker Obituary
Throughout his life, Steve wore many hats and touched the lives of countless individuals with his heart of gold and unwavering spirit. He was the co-owner of Red Dogs in Wrightsville Beach, he later opened Dawgs, showcasing his entrepreneurial passion. His dedication extended to his work at the New Hanover County ABC Board, where he eventually retired.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Steve pursued his interests with fervor. He adorned his bars and home with unique sports memorabilia, which also reflected his lifelong love for Duke sports. His football coaching endeavors, eventually ending at New Hanover High School, allowed him to mentor numerous young men, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Additionally, his deep affection for animals highlighted his compassionate nature.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Pratt Parker, his brother Hardy Parker (Vickie) and their daughter Ellie, and his sister Mabel Duke Parker (Michele), as well as many friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by both his parents.
Services for Steve will be held at a later date, where a Celebration of Life will honor his memory and the legacy he leaves behind. Though he may have departed this world, Steve's impact and spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Please leave memories and condolences for Steve's family by signing the Tribute Wall below.
Care entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099
People and places connected with Charles
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
B Bannerman
August 12, 2024
I have just learned of Steve's passing. It saddens me that Steve has left this life for I know he will be missed by so many people. My remembrances of Steve are of a kind, humble man with a big heart. My heart goes out to Lisa, Muke, Hardy, Vickie, and Ellie. Love always, Aunt Bobbi
John Colin Drewry IV
March 19, 2024
I meet the Parker´s in the early 60s when my family moved here from Raleigh. I was probably 6 or 7 and have lots of good memories of party´s at the Wetherill farm next to the Parker´s. Red Dog use to babby sit my sister, brother and me at Turtle Hall. This made it impossible for me to drink in Red Dogs until I was 18. I latter worked at Red Dogs so I guess he watched over me and my siblings for many years. He will be missed but never forgotten. RIP Dog.
John C Drewry IV
Nina Nye
March 18, 2024
I worked at the Palm Room in the 70´s and that´s where I met Red Dog. Some nights after closing our crew would head over to his bar and party til dawn. Many happy memories of that time in my life-condolences to his family. He was a great guy.
M
Nina Nye
Farrah
March 18, 2024
What a legend. Best dog sitter ever! LOL love you Lisa!
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Amy
March 17, 2024
I feel so blessed to have known Red Dog-he will always be one of my favorite people. He was such a wonderful man, truly one of the best! Red gave me my first bartending job, and working at Dawgs remains my favorite job to this day. Lisa, my heart goes out to you with my deepest sympathy. He was loved by so many and will never be forgottenRIP Red Dog
George/Peggy Baer
March 17, 2024
Lisa, Our heart felt sympathy and prayers for you and family. Red was one of those rare individuals that if you were blessed in life to know him you had to love him. May he RIP and his legacy will continue through those that were touched and shared in his life.
George and Peggy
Greg Baer
March 16, 2024
Rest in peace, Coach. You were a great leader and a great man. Those years from 1990 to 1993 wouldn´t have been the same without you. You had a great way about you, using intensity and humor to get your point across to your players. My heartfelt condolences to the Parker family.
Kathy Stokley
March 16, 2024
My first Memories of Red Dog are from NHHS and our many years at Wrightsville Beach in the 70's & 80's. Kind to a fault and always a smile. He had many many friends and i'm just one that thought the world him. He was always willing to help out a friend. Lisa, I really don't have any words that can comfort you at this time. Y'all we're a force as a couple. My hurt aches for your loss and all of the Parker Family is in my thoughts. My heart hurts for you my Friend.
Kathy Stokley
March 16, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Glenn Wells
March 16, 2024
My condolences to Lisa and the Parker family. Red was passionate about the things he was involved with. He may be gone but never forgotten
Mary Duke Barnwell
March 16, 2024
I own a pet sitting business and had the pleasure of caring for Red and Lisa's pets. Tootoo was my absolute favorite!! When they interviewed me, Red and I through a long conversation found out we were blood related. He too was a a Duke. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday!! That was a super cool moment. My favorite pet sitting memory was when they called me at the last minute to pet sit so they could go see the Panthers play in the Superbowl in San Francisco!!! Sending big love and hugs to Lisa. May Red RIP.
Emily
March 16, 2024
I knew Steve (Reddog) Parker all my life, and he was always so sweet and kind to me! Although he was a couple of years older than I, he was still a friend. He was my sister's age, and I was the same age as his younger sister Mabel Duke. But growing up in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach during the 50s and 60s, everyone knew everyone and she wasn't an issue. When we were in college, we all partied together at Hugo's (later Reddogs) and would go dune riding with Steve and Mautsby and Dolan. They always looked out for me and my roommate Margie Pennington, and treated us like family. After my divorce, when I returned to Wilmington as a single mother, Steve welcomed me to Dawgs and introduced me to Lisa and Aunt Rachel, who became one of my best friends. I would go to Dawgs every Sunday to watch the Redskins games, and I'd go there to watch the Tar Heel games, even though Steve was a Duke fan. In recent years I didn't see him as much, but when I did, he was still the same sweet big brother I knew and loved. He will be missed. Prayers for Lisa and the rest of his family and friends. Rest in peace, Reddog.
Don Royal
March 16, 2024
Rest in peace Cuz! Too many memories to list, but you certainly touched many lives. Sorry to hear we lost you in this world but I know you´re in a better place. Peace and love to Lisa and family. Loved you Cuz!
Tim Howard
March 16, 2024
Red Dog will always hold a special place in my family´s memories and heart. He definitely made an impact on so many lives and will always be remembered as a good person and a good friend.
Sandra Morris
March 16, 2024
Lisa - I first met you and Red through Brack and Sarah (my daughter) Hardee. There was always a great time, many stories, laughs and drinks to be found!! I´m sure Red had quite a welcome party waiting for him at those Golden Gates! Praying for comfort for you and the family.
Angie Lambert
March 16, 2024
So sorry to hear this. Peace to his family.
Aaron Martin
March 16, 2024
Red Dog was a TRUE friend and very loved by many. We will miss you my friend. Tell Tank to tighten up ever chance he gets. Thoughts and prayers to Lisa and family. Cheers.
Bill Batuyios
March 15, 2024
My condolences to the Parker Family for Red Dog's passing. He was one of the most well known, and well loved people in Wilmington. Red Dog never met a stranger, was very generous,
and always made people feel welcome. I'm thankful that I got to share many happy times with him over the last 50 years. Rest in peace my friend we shall meet again.
Steve wilkie
March 15, 2024
Steve and I were in the first thru third grade, at wrightsville beach school . I visited his family farm several times .
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