WOODLAND – From the moment on October 2^nd, 1949 that Gordon Larry Parker was born his parents, Joseph Leonard Parker Sr. and Etheleen Vann, knew the world would never be the same.

As a child, Larry enjoyed terrorizing his aunt Geneiva “Gen” Vann and fishing in the MeherrinRiver with his older brothers Joe and Lester. When Joe began dating, and later married, Jeannette Vinson he gained the sister he never had.

As Larry grew older he rocked eastern North Carolina from the Outer Banks to Seaboard and back. Deborah Chitty (divorced) caught his eye and they had two sons, Gabriel and Josh. Larry loved the time they spent while living in Kitty Hawk, picking up surfing, playing the guitar, and perfecting his fishing techniques. Later in life he had the privilege of becoming the granddaddy to Noah and Ethan Parker, who have grown into two amazing young men.

Larry traveled the world during his lifetime, including a tour in Germany while in the Army and a trip to Hawaii just this December. He was known by many as a handyman and appliance repairman, working at The Evans Company and Charles’ Appliance in Murfreesboro, as well as, Heath Pest Control at the Outer Banks. However, those who loved him most remember him as a carefree man who enjoyed life to the fullest. Larry didn’t know a stranger and wouldn’t hesitate to crack a smile and ask someone “What’s my last name?” He always took great pride in being a Parker, but then again who doesn’t?

Larry went on to be with his parents, brothers, and aunt Gen on Saturday, December 20th, 2014 at the age of 65. Larry lived a life with more friends than he could count, more parties than he could remember, and more love than he knew. He will forever be missed, but his family finds peace knowing that Larry is “as free as a bird now and this bird you cannot change.”

Friends can pay their respects during visitation on Saturday, December 27 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Bridgers’ Funeral Home in Conway or on Saturday, January 3rd at 2:00 p.m. during his service at Murfreesboro Baptist Church.