Kenneth “Ken” Lee Parker, often known as “Kenny” in his younger years, 79, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.
A native of Iredell County, Ken was born July 30, 1946, the son of the late Harry Lee Parker and Jettie Sue Morrow Parker. He was a graduate of Troutman High School and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969. During his honorable service, he attained the rank of Sergeant and completed tours in Vietnam, Korea, Guam, and the United States.
Ken was a man of many talents and interests who deeply cherished time spent with family and friends—whether vacationing in the mountains, at the lake, or by the beach. He enjoyed woodworking, target shooting, and riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and ATVs, as well as water and snow skiing. A lifelong movie enthusiast, he especially loved the classics, science fiction, and westerns, along with animal, nature, and history documentaries.
In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather. He liked classical, country, and some classic rock music. A true technology enthusiast, Ken was fascinated by computers and anything futuristic. After a long career as an HVAC Control Systems Engineer, he retired in 2008.
Ken is survived by his sons, Taylor Reid Parker of Statesville, N.C., and Jonathan Lee Parker of Chipley, Fla.; his daughter, Tamera Jane Pendleton (George) of Charleston, S.C.; his brother, Albert Dennis Parker of Statesville, N.C.; and his sister, Trena Parker Melvin of Troutman, N.C. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Madison Pendleton, Tate Pendleton, and Georgia Pendleton, and two great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center at Bethel Baptist Church in Statesville, followed by a funeral service at 2:30 p.m., officiated by Rev. Joe Woodward. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 1162 E. Monbo Road, Statesville, NC 28677, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
At other times, the family will gather at the home of Alicia Menster (off Laurel Cove near Buffalo Shoals Road in the Harbor Watch neighborhood).
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to be entrusted with the care of Kenneth Lee Parker and his family.