James Lawrence “Larry” Parker, 63, of Chesapeake, Va., and formerly of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Va.

He was born August 26, 1960, in Charlotte, N.C., to the late Billy Gene Parker and Margaret Anne Floyd Parker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Walter Nantz Parker, in October 2023.

Larry proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Mustang and retired as an officer with the rank of lieutenant. After retirement, he continued to serve the Navy as a Subject Matter Expert in aviation fuels, assisting in the construction and design of aircraft carriers. Bible scholarship was a very important aspect of his life; he concentrated on history and theology of the Christian faith. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon Byers Parker; son, James Lawrence Parker II, and his wife Johanna and their children Magnolia and Leo; daughter-in-law, Lindsey Parker and her daughter Nel; sister, Durand Koch, and her husband, Tom; brothers, Gene Parker and wife Maudine, Bobby Parker and wife Karen; and stepmother, Frances Parker.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, January 27, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. Services will be at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home with Rev. Len Byers officiating. Burial will follow the service in Glenwood Memorial Park with full military honors.

Memorials may be sent to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or the Union Missions Ministry, 5100 E. Virginia Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Parker family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.