Lt. Col. Charles Elmer Parker, Jr., USA, Ret., of Charlotte, died December 29, 2008 at Presbyterian Harris Hospice Unit after a lengthy illness. Born on March 7, 1934, Mr. Parker was the only child of the late Charles E. Parker and Mary Ames Moore. His early education was in the Arlington, VA school system after which he attended and was graduated from Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesville, VA. Mr. Parker then graduated from The Citadel, Charleston, SC in 1957 with a BA degree in Political Science and a commission in the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. That began a 22 year career as an Army Aviator which took him to numerous assignments both stateside and in the Far East. Mr. Parker proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam during which he flew ‘Huey’ helicopters in support of our troops. His medals and commendations include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters and the Legion of Merit. Mr. Parker and his family moved to Charlotte in 1982 after which he began his second career as a real estate broker with Harrington/Dowd Realty Co. His love of people, his honesty, sincerity and openness have long endeared him to a wide circle of friends. In retirement, time was spent on his golf game, fly fishing, mountain vacations, his bonsai collection and especially his workshop where he lovingly produced gifts for friends and neighbors. Married in 1957, Mr. Parker grew up across the street from his bride-to-be, Jean Higgins, and they happily celebrated their 51st anniversary this year. In addition to his wife Jean, Mr. Parker is survived by two sons, Scott Parker of Charlotte, NC and Sheppard Parker and his wife Michelle of Austin, Texas. Michelle was his special favorite whom he always considered his own daughter. He is also survived by his precious grandson, Isaac Parker, another grandchild as yet unborn, his step-brother, William H. Moore, his brother and sisters-in law, numerous cousins and his beloved dog, Hannah. Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 6, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Road. The Rev. Gale Cooper will officiate. The family will receive friends at a reception at the church following the service. A graveside service will follow on January 26 at Arlington National Cemetery where Mr. Parker will be buried with full military honors. If desired, memorials may be directed to The Salvation Army, 4335 Stuart Andrew Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217 or to the Presbyterian Hospital Foundation, 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204. J.B. Tallent is serving the family of Mr. Parker. www.tallentfuneralservice.com. Tags: 1957
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