Dr. Paul Rodney Parker

He is survived by his daughter Claire Jarvis Parker Siburt and her husband Michael of Morrisville, NC, and John and Robin Lancaster of North Chesterfield, VA. He is also survived by his father and step-mother Clifford Dale Parker and Ethyle Parker, of Albuquerque, NM, and his sisters Linda C. Parker of Evansville, IN, and Shari R. Parker, of Corinth, TX. He is also survived by Kennedy N. Parker Shuler (niece), S. Grant Parker Shuler (nephew), Mary Alice Curl (aunt), Franklin Spencer Parker (uncle), and many cousins from the Parker, Maddox, and Kennedy branches of the family tree. Other survivors include Anna R. Jarvis (Claire’s mother) and Beverly Adams-Parker (John’s mother). He was preceded in death by his mother Maleta Elsie Kennedy Parker.

Paul grew up in Texas, attending Palo Duro High School in Amarillo. Paul attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion in 1974. He attended Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth and then transferred to Methodist Theological School in Delaware, OH, where he received a Master of Divinity degree in theology in 1977. Paul also earned a Doctor of Education degree from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, in 1991.

In his formative years, Paul was active at his father’s churches and throughout Texas in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) camp and conference programs. He was also active in marching band, football, and scouting. He became politically active during the Vietnam era, the years of the civil rights movement, and his time at TCU. He was a staunch Democrat and believed in empowering and welcoming all people.

Ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on October 16, 1977, Paul served in a variety of ministerial positions which included: religious educator, pastoral ministry, interim ministry, hospital chaplaincy, jail chaplaincy, campus ministry, and camp and conference ministry. He served churches in Texas, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. He served as a mentor and supportive colleague for many ministers throughout Virginia and elsewhere.

As an educator, Dr. Parker taught World Religions, New and Old Testament, Ethics, Interpersonal Communications, Team Building, Conflict Management, and Leadership Development for New River Community College and Wytheville Community College and other institutions throughout Virginia. Dr. Parker also served as the Employee Development Director for the Wytheville service area based at Wytheville Community College, and then as the National Science Foundation Grant Coordinator for the Manufacturing Technology Center on the Wytheville Community College campus. At the time of his death, Paul lived in Norfolk, VA and was serving as the Direct of Christian Education at Virginia Beach Christian Church in Virginia Beach, VA, and was the Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator for Intrepid USA Hospice in Virginia Beach, VA. He guided, trained, led workshops for, and supervised teachers, industrial professionals, corporations, churches, religious groups, and individuals.

Paul had many gifts and interests. He loved to share his gifts of a beautiful baritone voice, an experienced guitar player, and a dynamic performer. His creativity and energy was evident in his passion for all aspects of theater and drama. He enjoyed working on Habitat houses and doing home-improvement projects. He strongly believed in the power of Healing Touch and more generally, the power of a good strong hug or holding your hand during a prayer. He was a passionate participant in, advocate for, and leader of Christian education and development through church camp and youth leadership opportunities. Finally, Paul loved to just spend time doing what he called “normal things” with his friends and family, like eating Mexican food, watching movies, and doing puzzles.

The family wishes to thank Paul’s many cherished friends and colleagues who supported him throughout his life.

A service of celebration for his life will take place at 3:00pm on Saturday, September 27 at Virginia Beach Christian Church, 2225 Rose Hall Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the Virginia Beach Christian Church, designated for a "Paul R. Parker Camp Scholarship Fund".

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.