Thomas “Tommy” Reid Parker, 80, of Harmony, N.C., a cherished husband, devoted father and grandfather, revered community leader, and beloved friend, went home to the Lord on May 5, 2026, at Specialty Select Hospital in Greensboro, N.C. Born on December 21, 1945, to the late Thomas Columbus Parker and Helen Laws Parker, Tommy led a life of perseverance, fellowship, and faith, dedicated to his family, friends, and – above all – Jesus Christ.
He developed a deep appreciation for the importance of family early in life through the loving influence and close relationships he shared with his grandparents, the late Reid and Octavia Laws. That foundation shaped the way he lived, cherishing not only his immediate family, including his baby brother Mark Laws Parker (Doris), but also the special bonds he shared with his extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout his life.
Tommy’s proudest achievement was his 60 years of marriage to his wife, Jean “Boo” Parker. As a senior at Harmony High School, he met Norma Jean Johnson of Cool Spring High School at the Rotunda in Statesville – and from that moment on, he was all in. After graduating in 1964, he headed to North Carolina State University on a full academic scholarship, but he hitchhiked from Raleigh to Statesville nearly every weekend just to see Jean. Before long, he made the choice that mattered most to him: building a life close to the love of his life. Tommy and Jean were married August 15, 1965, at Rose Chapel Methodist Church.
Together, Tommy and Jean lovingly shared three children, the late Thomas Christopher Parker (1967–1970), Thomas Reid Parker Jr., and Laura Parker Hubbard (James). He was a proud grandfather to four, Aeryn Suzann and Krystopher James Andrew, children of Reid, and Clayton Thomas Gates and Parker Elizabeth Gates, children of Laura.
A lifelong learner, Tommy later returned to school, earning an associate degree from Mitchell Community College (1979) and a B.S. in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University (1982), graduating summa cum laude.
His studies contributed to his long and successful career in industrial engineering, where he worked at J.P. Stevens in Turnersburg, N.C., from 1965 to 1999. As a supervisor, he led with calm steadiness, took pride in doing things the right way, and genuinely enjoyed helping others learn and grow. He loved the people he worked with and carried with him the many memories that they shared.
Tommy was extremely involved in the church and widely regarded as a leader in the community. He taught a wide range of Sunday School classes and held several leadership roles at Rose Chapel Methodist Church. In his later adult life, he was also an active member of Hebron Baptist Church. He was a Webelos Leader for Pack 610 and Troop 610, as well as a Scoutmaster and Council Camporee Chair.
A guiding Bible verse throughout his life was John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” He lived those words through his unwavering devotion to his faith, his family, and the many friendships he treasured over the years. He was blessed with lifelong friendships, including a cherished childhood friend and dear friends who remained by his side throughout his adult life. He had a gift for bringing people together, and he especially valued the close bonds he shared with his Cursillo Reunion Group, and he loved hosting “The Boys” for weekly Bible study, fellowship, good food, and a little trash talk around a few games of pool.
A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Rose Chapel Methodist Church in Statesville, N.C. The visitation will be at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 3 p.m., and the burial thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rose Chapel Methodist Church Missions, Hebron Baptist Church Youth Group, or Power Cross.
Arrangements for Mr. Parker are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.