MURFREESBORO – Joseph Leonard Parker Jr., 76, of Murfreesboro died Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie.

He had been preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Leigh Parker; his parents, Joseph Leonard Parker, Sr. and Ethleen Vann Parker; and a brother, Lester Parker.

A native of Murfreesboro in Hertford County, he worked for over forty years in Quality Control with Union Camp Corporation in Franklin, Va. before retiring.  He also worked with Perdue as a Contractor.

His memberships include Meherrin Baptist Church for over 50 years, a founding member of the Murfreesboro Rescue Squad, and Assistant Scout Master of the Murfreesboro Boy Scout Troop.

A humble family man, he dearly loved and enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and great grandson as well as his little dog “Daisy”. He also enjoyed being outdoors, cutting grass, camping, fishing, and going to the beach.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Jeannette Vinson Parker;  children, Chris Parker and wife, Marcia, of Conway, Keith Parker and wife, Teresa, Joey Parker, Sherri Parker and friend, Calvin Eason, and Kim Martin and husband, Aron, all of Murfreesboro; seven grandchildren, Melissa Parker and husband, Chris, Stephanie Parker-Helmkemp and husband, Justin, Catherine Parker, Anna Parker, Sadie Goldsby, Sam Parker, and Elijah Goldsby;  grandchildren of the heart, Josh Parker and Gabriel Parker;  great grandson, Henry Parker Hodges; brother Larry Parker of Murfreesboro; cherished nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Christy Hull.

His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Meherrin Baptist Church in Murfreesboro with the Rev. Josh Parsons presiding.  Burial will follow in the Meherrin Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will be receiving friends at Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday. March 8. They appreciate floral remembrances or memorials shared with Meherrin Baptist Church for the Youth Group or with the American Lung Association, 514 Daniels St., #109, Raleigh, NC 27605.