Robert Parker

Robert “Bob” Emmet Parker, 68, of Mocksville, NC, passed away on March 9, 2023, at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He spent his final moments surrounded by his loving family, with good tunes — Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ Frank Sinatra’s ‘Moon River,’ The Doobie Brothers’ ‘Long Train Runnin’ — playing in the background.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife Wendy Parker, younger siblings: brother Frank “Chip” Parker Jr. and sister Judy Blecha, four adoring children and three stepchildren: Cheryll Parker Hester (Craig) of Lexington, N.C.; Heather Parker Morgan (Garrett), of Timnath, CO; Jimmy Parker (Megan), of Pawleys Island, SC; Katie Parker Nordquist (Chris), of Canton, NC; Joshua Dulaney (Megan), of Dallas, NC; Eryn Thull (Zach), of Beech Creek, PA; and Chelsey Dulaney of London, United Kingdom. He was “Pop” to 11 grandchildren: Noah and Seth Hester; Luna Morgan; Greta, Harris, Sidda and Gaines Parker; Willow Nordquist; Noah and Serenity Thull; and Emerson Dulaney. He was a best (and perhaps only) friend to one grumpy housecat, Gizmo.

Born in Mercer, New Jersey on June 9, 1954, Bob was the second oldest son of Frank Parker Sr. and Catherine Gilmore Parker. He is preceded in death by both parents and eldest brother Wesley Parker. He grew up in Trenton, NJ and Morganton, NC. When Bob was 18 years old, he joined the Marine Corps and spent the next 5 1/2 years proudly serving his country in Beaufort, SC, Japan, Philippines and Nashville, TN.

Bob graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 1981 with a degree in Economics. He founded and ran his own business, which produced custom ring binders for nearly three decades. He instilled in his family the importance of high-quality binders (“Not like those cheap vinyl Chinese imports”). His innovative and tireless approach with his business, to upcycling/recycling materials, and custom imaging for his customers, he stopped at nothing to provide the custom-made binder anyone would need or want. His personalized binders and notebooks made legendary gifts: “S#!t List” notebooks were a particular favorite.

As a passionate Democrat, Bob believed fiercely in the importance of protecting American democracy. He was governed in all that he did by a profound sense of justice. He proudly marched on Charlotte, NC during the Women’s March of 2017. He was a formidable debate partner with a dazzling, encyclopedic knowledge of history, politics, current events, movies and much more. Bob was a pillar of unwavering support in the lives of those lucky enough to know him: he was the #1 fan, a tireless ally, the one who would drive thousands of miles to lend a hand. He will be greatly missed.

A private celebration of Bob’s incredible life was held on March 12, 2023. Donations in his name can be made to a Democratic candidate of your choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Parker family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.