James Earnest Parker

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus Philippians 2:5

A smile for all, a heart of gold
One of the finest this world could hold,
Never selfish, always kind
These are the memories he leaves behind…
Mr. James Earnest Parker, Jr., 50, was born in Iredell County on December 14, 1969, and was the son of James Earnest Parker, Sr. and Sandra Sue Price Parker. He passed away at Frye Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, following an extended illness.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, NewHaven Parker, Annie Lucille Parker, L B. Price, and Willie Jo Price; an uncle, Rev. E. B. Wilkerson, Sr., and three cousins, Bernie Wilkerson, Jr., Johnathan Parker and Dana Lewis.
Affectionately known as Junior, was a 1989 graduate of Alexander Central High School and was employed by SureTape Manufacturing Company in Stony Point for thirty-one years and one month. He was a former member of Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee, Usher, on the Men’s Choir, the Clark’s Chapel Inspirational Choir and the Van Committee. He later moved his membership to First Resurrection Church on January 13, 2008, under the leadership of Bishop Elect Dr. Lonnie Gray, Pastor. He served as the Head Trustee, on the Praise Team, Choir, Pastor’s Aide and the Van Committee. He had a passion for gospel music and he loved singing. He was a former member of the Scotts Community Chorus, the Mitchell Community College Choir and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Choir.
In addition to his parents, James and Sandra Parker, he leaves to cherish the memory of his life his brother, Charles Parker of Winston-Salem; his sister, Annette Parker of Jamestown; his adopted sister, Minister Tracy Lazenby; his adopted brother, Corey Rhoney of Clemmons; his godmother, Bertha Hamilton of Statesville; three nephews, Kelle Parker of the home, Adarius Ijames and Dorian Robinson, both of Statesville; his great nieces, Kyriana Parker, Aria Ijames, Aniyah Ijames, Ashlynn Ijames and Lira Parker, all of Statesville; his godchild, Iyana Linney; two mentees, Olijahaun Jones and Joshua Davidson; special cousins, Angela Robinson of Statesville, Jessica Davidson of Mooresville and Teresa Horton of Stony Point; close friends, Minister LaJune Gray and Travis Summers, both of Troutman; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, co-workers from ShurTape, the First Resurrection Church Family, and special youth from North Carolina and Georgia, neighbors and friends.
As long as life and memory last,
We will remember thee.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home at 12:00 noon. Evangelist LaJune Gray will officiate and Bishop Elect Lonnie E. Gray will eulogize. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville. Mr. Parker will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home.
There will be NO PUBLIC VISITATION, unfortunately, with the COVID-19 Virus we, at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home, along with other funeral homes across the country, have been issued a mandate to limit the number of family and/or friends at funeral services. YOU CAN ONLY ENTER THE FUNERAL WITH A FUNERAL PASS WHICH WILL BE GIVEN TO THE FAMILY.

TO VIEW ONLINE STREAMING OF THE SERVICE...GO TO FACEBOOK TO Bernardeane's Page

AFTER THE SERVICE IS OVER YOU CAN VIEW THE ONLINE VIDEO BY
CLICKING ON HIS PICTURE ON OUR WEBSITE. G
GO TO
The BOOK OF MEMORIES
CLICK ON PHOTOS AND VIDEO.
YOU WILL SEE A LINK TO FACEBOOK - THAT'S THE ONLINE VIDEO
Rutledge and Bigham, is serving the Parker family.