James Everett Parker, 78, of 421 Kildare Drive Shelby, NC passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at his residence. He was born on February 8, 1942 in Cleveland County, NC to the late James Bruce Parker and Francis Hosch Parker Grier. James dedicated his life to Christ as a young boy at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.

After graduating from Green Bethel High School in 1961, he continued his pursuit of the Lord at Light Oak Baptist Church and Faith Missionary Baptist Church before finding his home at Shoal Creek Baptist Church. He was a quiet, humble man and maintained his faith in the Lord throughout the years. James worked as a Supervisor and certified Loom Fixer in the Textile industry. He was a friend, a confidant, a fixer­- a simple man that loved his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. James was known to many as "Heavy" or simply "Parker". James played a pivotable roll in the growth and life of his grandchildren. He opened his house every summer to all 9 of his grandchildren. He provided everything they needed to consider it summer camp. He loved fishing and hunting in his spare time.

In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by two sisters, Elizabeth Ann Reid and Vera Parker.

James is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Annie R. Maddox Parker, his four children, Zena Conerly(Hamid Al-Hasib) of Glenn Dale, MD, Todd Parker(Kristie) of Clayton, NC, Dejuana Parker of Raleigh, NC and Lesley Parker of Ft. Worth, TX; a brother Douglas Parker(Ruth) of Shelby, NC a sister, Ossie Oates of Shelby, NC, 9 grandchildren-(Karla, Zakiyyah, Bianca, Mahogany (Chastein), Azizah, Todd, Jr., Rashid, Kamille and James) and 2 great-grandchildren (Madelyn and Chazlyn) and a host of other relatives and friends.

Due to recent coronavirus state guidelines limiting the size of gatherings, the service for Mr. Parker will be private. Mr. Parker may be viewed at Shoal Creek Baptist Church on Saturday, May 16, 2020 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM with a reception of friends from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.