Robert Edward Parker, age 47, of Sandy Mush, NC, died Saturday, January 1, 2011 at his residence. 

     Robert was born on September 19, 1963 in Rutherford County to the late Lloyd Broome and Alpha Flack Parker.  He was a 1982 graduate of Chase High School and a 1995 graduate of BLET.  He worked in textiles for several years and was a deputy sheriff for 16 years for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department.  He was a member of Floyd’s Creek Baptist Church. He had a love for music and the guitar.  He also enjoyed playing softball and carpentry.

     In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Kenneth Parker and a nephew, Chuck Padgett.

     Besides his mother, survivors include his wife of 25 years, Tammy L. Parker; one son, Edward Seth Parker and wife, Shonna “Buddi” of Forest City; one daughter, Brittany Parker and fiancé, Steven Sarratt of Gaffney; six sisters, Frances Padgett and husband, Charles of Ellenboro, Beverly Stafford and husband, Adam of Rutherfordton, Marcia King and husband, Burwell of Rutherfordton, Rhonda Hames and husband, Jerry of Ellenboro, Myra Cermak and husband, Bill of Rutherfordton and Kim Parker of Ellenboro; two brothers, Rev. Jeff Parker and wife, Priscilla of Rutherfordton and Ronald Broome and wife, Paula also of Rutherfordton. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Kylie Lynn Marie Parker and Zayden Edward Leigh Parker and a host of nieces and nephews.

     Memorial services will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2010 at Piney Mountain Baptist Church with Reverend Jerry Hames and Reverend Joe Ervin officiating with honors accorded by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall from 2:00 p.m. until service time.  

     Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the Parker family.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com