Harold David Parker

May 17, 1941 - October 9, 2015

Mr. Harold David Parker, 74, of Clemmons, NC, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2015 at his home after a period of declining health under the care of Kate B Reynolds Hospice. He was born on May 17, 1941 in Yadkin County to the late Henry Bonson and Grace Durham Parker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Jean Renegar Parker, his parents, and his brother, Charles Dean Parker.

Harold graduated from Southwest High School in Clemmons, NC. He was a retired machine operator from R J Reynolds Tobacco Company after 40 years of service who contributed to the growth of the company with his many suggestions and ideas. He came up with the names of seven cigarette brands; the “Pride In Tobacco” logo; various machine parts; the creation of the RJR Souvenir Shop; and was responsible for getting Andy Granatelli of STP Motor Oil Company and RJR together to cosponsor NASCAR Racing which Reynolds bought out a year later to form Winston Cup Racing just to name a few. He was a former member of the Clemmons Jaycees and a long time, faithful follower at Center Grove Baptist Church. He had many interests, was a devoted husband and father, and loved the Lord.

Surviving are his loving children Barry Parker of Pfafftown, NC; Julia Parker-Summers and husband Kelly of Winston-Salem, NC; Shane Parker of Clemmons, NC; his only grandson, Matthew Summers of Winston-Salem, NC; and his siblings, Bobby Parker and wife Angela of Lexington, NC; Barbara Lawson and husband Terry of Advance, NC; Shirley Griffin of Advance, NC; sister-in-law, Dorothy Parker of Winston-Salem, NC and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Frank Vogler and Sons Funeral Home on Middlebrook Drive in Clemmons, NC with Pastor Ron Schuyler officiating. The family will receive friends for a visitation one hour prior to the service. Mr. Parker will then be laid to rest at Weslawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons, NC with a graveside service to follow.

Memorials may be made to Center Grove Baptist Church, 875 Lassater Road, Clemmons, NC 27012.