David Parker

On Thursday, October 23, 2020, David S. Parker, 76, of Brevard, passed away unexpectedly at home. David was born on November 28, 1943 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. Since he was a member of a military family, David moved frequently in his childhood.

For 45 years, David and his wife Patricia C. Parker enjoyed a close, loving marriage. David was the son of the late Major General David S. Parker and Betty Augur Parker. He also left behind his loving family: his brother Bruce (Peggy) of Alexandria, VA and their children Ross and Margaret (Michael Stafford); brother Stephen (Kornelia Grabinska) of Fairbanks, AK and their children Kalina (Roman Nagle) and Zawisa; sister Anne (Terry) Diggory of Saratoga Springs, NY and their daughters Ariel (Michael Lynch) and Parker, and four great-nieces and nephews, Caroline, Rebecca, Zosza, Maya, Eliza and Griffin.

David spent his career as an international economist at the Labor Department in Washington, DC. He enjoyed the stimulation of writing, attending overseas meetings, and the foreign travel his position entailed.

Probably most important to David was serving others in a variety of ways. In Northern Virginia he worked with the blind for 30 years, helping them to remain mostly independent. He did this work out of a spirit of thankfulness after he had improved his own vision through a cornea transplant. David also volunteered at Fairfax County Hospital and served as head of the community board in Holmes Run Acres.

In 2004 he and his wife moved to Connestee Falls in Brevard. He attended the First United Methodist Church where he became a Stephen Minister, a helpmate to an individual parishioner. He became a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Transylvania County where he served as head of the Loving Hearts and Helping Hands group, that offers assistance and comfort. To members going through challenging times.

David and nature were kindred souls. Whether it was going out all day with the hiking group in Connestee or walking in Dupont Forest with a group from the church, he was enriched. He might be walking the athletic fields of Brevard College taking in views of the surrounding mountains. He also enjoyed tennis and pickle ball with friends and working out at The Fitness Factory. At College Walk, David had a reputation for his rapid morning walks.

David received a wonderful education at William and Mary College, Northwestern and the University of Iowa. His intellectual curiosity was varied and lifelong. He took classes at church; viewed The Great Courses at home, read widely both fiction and non-fiction.

He had wonderful person qualities. Friends said that he was a man of few words, but those few were always worth hearing. He was genuine; what you saw on his face was what was in his heart. He was strong and accepting- he took life’s blows and made the best of his remaining options. He cared for the body he had been given for his life’s journey. He was faithful in love and in his commitments.

David’s grieving wife so deeply appreciates the many caring expressions for David in words, cards and flowers from family and friends at College Walk and the Unitarian-Universalist Church and in the community.

A Celebration of life service will be held in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Transylvania County, P O Box 918, 124 Varsity Street at Broad, Brevard, NC 28712-0918 or Sharing House, P O Box 958, Brevard, NC 28712.

To leave a condolence or memory for the family of David S. Parker, please visit “obituaries” at www.moore-fh.com.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to care for the family.