On December 23, 2025, Roy Parker passed away peacefully after a long illness at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center at the age of 100 years old. He was a Korean War Veteran and one of the first 10 Black men to integrate the Baltimore City Fire Department and retired after 20 years. Afterwards, he finished his career as a Fire Inspector in the Federal Government. He leaves his devoted wife, Elaine Parker of 51 years, two daughters, one son-in-law, three grandchildren, two sisters and a host of other relatives and friends.
Family will receive friends at the Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc. 5555 Twin Knolls Rd, Columbia, MD 21045 on Friday, January 2, 2026. Private viewing for the family will be from 4pm to 5pm and public viewing is from 5pm to 8pm and at the church on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10am to 11am. Funeral services will start at 11am at the First Baptist Church of Guilford, 7504 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046. A graveside service will be held at Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Ave, Baltimore, MD 21228 on Tuesday, January 6th at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be sent to contribute to his young grandchildren’s education. Your donation can be made payable to Elaine Parker and mailed to 5030 West Running Brook, Columbia, MD 21044. Additional payment methods will also be accepted.
