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Obituary For David Parker
Mr. David Parker passed away peacefully July 7, 2022, on his 94th birthday. David was a renaissance man. He was not only an extraordinarily kind person, he also was dedicated to improving the lives of those around him. He devoted his life to fostering success in people regardless of individual ability, promoting physical, spiritual, and mental excellence, and giving back to his community at every opportunity. Many people remember him as a role model and inspiration, and his contributions to the community will never be forgotten.
Born in 1928 to Benjamin Parker and Lena Joyner, David was the youngest of four children: Nathaniel Parker, Maurice Parker, and Lois Gaitwood. David graduated from Hillside High School, where he was an active member of the alumni committee. After graduating high school, David served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He would recant stories of being on the frontlines with bullets flying overhead, but with the grace of God, he survived and was able to tell the tale. He also started developing his talent for coaching during this time by introducing basketball to his fellow soldiers as a means of raising morale.
Following his deployment, David attended Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. During his tenure at Xavier, he supported the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the local nuns, as a chauffeur and general assistant. His athletic talents flourished at Xavier, where he was nicknamed βThe Fox.β He was a crucial player in the 1954 Turkey Day Classic, an annual football tournament between Dillard and Xavier, where he led the team to victory 39 to 13 before a crowd of 9,500 fans. Because of his role in the game, David was selected to the Catholic Small College All American Team and went on to become an All American in both basketball and football. He also met his wife, Elizabeth, in New Orleans.
When he returned to Durham, David coached baseball and basketball at the John Avery Boys Club and ultimately became the Director of the John Avery Boys and Girls Club. During his tenure, he led his teams to victory across multiple sports, and became one of the winningest coaches in the city. He believed in supporting youth athletics regardless of gender, which led the Boys Club to allow girls into their programs. Everyone wanted to be a member of his teams because they knew they would be in championships. David also ensured the children on his teams received meals after games, and would personally purchase food when they traveled out of town. David went out of his way to be a role model for the boys and girls in the community, and organized lectures where young people could learn to improve themselves athletically and academically.
Even though David was well known for his athletic ability, he was equally talented in academics. He graduated in the top of his class, receiving special honors for academic excellence. Pursuing his calling in education, he taught algebra, accounting and business math at Durham College and St. Augustine University. He was dedicated to his studentsβ success, and he never turned anyone away that required additional tutoring to pass the course. One of his unsung charitable deeds was that he helped secure funding and advised the schools on ways to improve educational opportunities in mathematics for minorities.
David was a very spiritual person, and was devoted to expressing his faith via service to his church community. As part of his calling, David was an usher, provided income tax filing assistance, was a member of the menβs society, and was a member of the Holy Cross Senior Crusaders. In addition to supporting the church, David would personally go out of his way to help people in need.
David also appreciated the fine arts and traveling. His annual family vacations included attending Broadway shows in New York, staying in beach houses in the Outer Banks, and visiting amusement parks and state fairs. He experienced many diverse cultures in his trips and cruises around the world with Liz.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Elizabeth Parker; devoted daughters Davida Trumbo, Toni Atkinson, and her spouse Darryl Atkinson; grandchildren Darlie Atkinson-Hugill, her spouse Eric Hugill, Nina Trumbo, and Matthew Trumbo; great-grandchildren Karielle Atkinson and Kohlton Hugill; and nieces and nephews Leo Parker, Alan Parker and Shari Anderson, Bucky Whittle, Audrey Whittle-Ringgold, Chris Gaitwood, Joanne Gaitwood, Corliss Gaitwood, and Andrea Harris.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2438 S. Alston Ave., Durham. NC, on Thursday, July 21, 2022, visitation service 10:00 am and funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will be held at Markham Memorial Gardens.
Masks are to be worn and social distancing required at all meetings with family and friends.
All acts of kindness are appreciated during this difficult time.
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Quinton B. Williams sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for David Parker - July 12, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Quinton B. Williams, All-Star Catcher
Dear Mrs. Parker,
I would like to first extend my condolences to you and your entire family. I know worlds can never fully heal your pain, if it will give you some comfort, please know Mr. Parker was well-liked, respected, and will be immensely missed by so many.
I am saddened to hear of his passing. During my formative years, I grew up at John Avery Boys and Girls Club (formerly John Avery Boys Club) on Pettigrew Street under the watchful eye of Mr. Parker (who allowed us to affectionately call Parker). I am proud to say that Parker served as one of my many role models and helped to shape all that I have become. The following are ways that Parker inspired me to become all that I am:
Although not doing in a time of conflict (as Parker did), he encouraged me to serve my country which I served in the United States Army. Parker believed in the essentials of having an education which inspired me to earn advanced academic degrees. Parker also had an excellent work ethic which inspired me to reach the pinnacle of my profession whereas, after a twenty-five-year career with the federal bureau of prisons, I recently retired as Warden from the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth Kansas.
Ms. Parker, thank you for sharing Parker with us, and please know that we all truly loved him, but God loved him best and has now called him home. Parker, we thank you for a job well done, and we will always remember you. Rest In Peace, Parker, Rest In Peace.
Claude "Bro Bear" Maye Kansas City, Kansas
To the family: Mr. Parker, the good giving & sharing Man that made a positive difference in so many young people lives. Athletics or Academics or Life's Lessons, he was a willing giver and mentor. He did so many good legacy things for me and my friends at Durham College. As Willie Williams stated, Mr. David Parker was a integral part one of the best basketball teams in the state of NC and he was a part of our success on and off the sporting locations. His Good Kind Spirit is HOME w/Our Creator. God's Love, Strength, Comfort & Peace be with The Parker Family. Sincerely, Brandon Cheek-DBC-74/76.
David will always be remembered as a very kind and gentle man of God! He will be greatly missed. Johnetta James
I remember Mr. Parker as my first coach. I played basketball and flag football for him at JABC. He probably had the most wins of any coach in the area. He was more than a coach, he was a father figure and a positive male figure for many of us from Fayetteville street projects, and other communities. Thank You Mr. Parker , may you Rest In Peace. Now you are going home and can enjoy your peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
To the family: What a great man that made a difference. He did so many things for me and my friends at Durham College. We had one of the best basketball teams in the state and he was a part of our success. I just want to say to the family that it is okay to move when you have a home to. Mr. Parker is gone home to be with the Lord. Marvin Sapp says he saw the best in me. Willie Williams Basketball Player Durham College 1974-76
Mr.Parker.......Where do I or we start with the young blackmen lives you touched at such a early age, not only on the diamond but in life. WE were the original Bad News bears riding in your caddie to practice and listening to what we now know was wisdom during our time together.The true impact in life is what you leave with others and your impact has touched generations! Not even two weeks ago we were remembering the days of riding the blue van and calling the hump. The one thing about Mr.Parker was his passion for the youth and teaching.To the family thank you for sharing him with all the Parker boys of JABC over the years, and know that we are all better for his gentle kind and giving manner. Omar Humes ππΎππΎ(His favorite of all time :))
To the PARKER Family:
Extending our heartfelt sympathy, love, and prayers in your time of bereavement. We will cherish the memories and happy times that we have shared!
Love, The RUTH/JOSHUA FAMILY
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy abound to the family for your loss. Coach Parker coached us on the John Avery Boys Club baseball team in the early 60's. He was a superb student of the game and transferred that knowledge to us players. We went on to become quite a formidable team. But his presence in the lives of a group of young boys taught more than just baseball. His passion, perseverance, commitment, sense of purpose, patience and kindness were all models of behavior meant to be used lifelong. Thank God for sending him our way. The Rivers Family
Growing in the projects left any of us with male guidance,But The JABC allowed us to find honest camaraderie.Discipline and athletic training along with a library that allowed me to read and play games.Learning to swim play all sports.I am greatful for the leadership and encouragement Mr.Parker always showed me and my bretheren. May his good deeds be Blessed.
Sending my prayers and condolences to the Parker/Atkinson Family. May God bring you comfort during this difficult time. ππ½ππ½ππ½
I will always remember coach Parker with the association to John Avery Boys Club at that time no girls was allowed. I would always dress like a boy and follow my brothers , Mr. Smith would run me out but Coach Parker would always let me stay and it eventually became the Boys & Girls club. Coach was such a wonderful person.
My very first baseball coach and mentor at the John Avery Boys Club in Durham, NC! Deepest condolences to the Parker family for your loss. Quinton (TT) Williams, All-Star Catcher
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
