News
NCSSA Community Mourns Loss of John Parker
It is with deep sadness that the NCSSA passes along the news of John Parker’s passing. Mr. Parker was a longtime supporter of skeet shooting in North Carolina, specifically in his leadership roles at Old Hickory Gun Club. The annual Pig Pickin’ Open has become a mainstay on the shooting schedule with Mr. Parker adamantly supporting youth shooters at the event each year. The 2026 event is slated for April 17-19.
The NCSSA sends its condolences to the Parker family, including his wife Rachel and son John.
Read more about Mr. Parker in his obituary below, borrowed from Garrett Sykes Funeral Home.
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John Parker: 1940-2026
John Bryant Parker Obituary
ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC - John Bryant Parker passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 03, 2026. He was born on April 20, 1940 near Conway, North Carolina at the family home. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Tular Parker and Edna Earl Bryant Parker, and his brother, William Earl Parker.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Rachel Spradley Parker; his son, John Ashley Parker; his sister, Sarah Virginia Parker; his grandchildren; Sarah Margaret Parker, John Lucas Parker, Nicholas Todd Parker, Joshua Aaron Parker, and Rachel Elizabeth Parker; daughter-in-law, Holly Howard Parker; brothers-in-law; Ben Spradley, and Mike Spradley(Carol); sister-in-law, Vickie Parker; along with several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.
John grew up on the family farm where he worked hard to help his family. He graduated from Conway High School in 1958 and East Carolina College (Now ECU) in 1964. He continued his studies there, earning several master's degrees. He sang in the college choir and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.
After college he taught at Winston-Salem, Forsyth County Schools for 3 years (where he met his wife), Hertford County Schools for 5 years, Roanoke Rapids City Schools for 11 years, and was assistant principal at North Edgecombe High School for 2 years. Then he worked in the insurance/investment business for about 27 years, retiring in 2013. He especially enjoyed helping his clients of many years. He was a member of Rosemary Baptist Church.
He was passionate about collecting artifacts, history, especially family and local, and his 18th century home near Murfreesboro, NC. His main loves, however, were his family and hunting. He enjoyed rooting for his son and then his grandchildren during their sporting events. On any given day in the fall, he could be found in the woods in search of a big buck.
John was a 32nd Degree Mason for 47 years, Past Master of Widow Son #519, Treasurer of Royal White Hart#2, and a member of Rocky Mount Shrine Club.
He was a World Class skeet shooter and as such won many awards, among which was the 2004 World Championship. He and his partner, Wayne Mayes, won all the Senior two-man team events of which he was most proud.
John was president of Old Hickory Gun Club where he enjoyed shooting and chatting with his skeet friends who were his "second" family.
He was Chairman of the Historic Murfreesboro Commission for almost two decades and as such was the driving force in getting the publication of the book - West of the Chowan, The Historic Architecture of Hertford County, North Carolina.
The family would like to thank all of his many friends and the wonderful doctors and nurses who have given their love, care, kindness, and support during this time. We will be forever grateful.
The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 1:00 till 2:15 PM at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, 314 West Main Street Murfreesboro, NC. A celebration of life graveside service will follow at 2:30 PM at the family cemetery, 13721 US Hwy 158, Murfreesboro, NC with Reverend Mike Currin officiating.
In place of flowers, the family request that donations be made to one of the following: The Youth Fund, Old Hickory Gun Club, Inc., PO Box 7984, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or online by clicking here - Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 or online by clicking here - Shriners Children's Greenville, Office of Philanthropy, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or online by clicking here.
Online condolences can be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Murfreesboro, NC.
NCSSA Sets Mid Winter Meeting Date - RCWA to Host Registered Shoot In Conjunction
The North Carolina Skeet Shooting Association has set Feb. 21, 2026 as its Mid Winter Meeting.
The meeting will take place in Salisbury at the Rowan County Wildlife Association.
RCWA has announced it will host a registered one-day tournament for the second year in conjunction with the state’s annual mid winter meeting. The tournament will include two events in one day (12 gauge and .410 bore).
See the below shoot flier for additional information.
Obituary and Service Information for Jim Tiner (1949-2025)
Jim Tiner Obituary
Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Jimmy “Jim” Tiner passed away peacefully on 24 November 2025. He was born on 15 January 1949 in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from W.W. Samuel High School in 1968.
After graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a distinguished career that spanned from 25 September 1968 to 1 February 2006. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, as well as the Gulf War. His decades of faithful service reflected extraordinary professionalism, courage, and devotion to duty. As a career Soldier, Jim embodied the values of sacrifice, integrity, and commitment that defined his life and inspired all who knew him.
Jim’s military career included assignments at Camp Casey, Korea; Stuttgart and Frankfurt, Germany; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was awarded the Association of Quartermasters Distinguished Order of Saint Martin in 2005, appointed a Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Regiment in 1998, and inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame in 2010. His other military awards include the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award); Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award); National Defense Service Medal (3rd Award); Korea Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and the Master Parachutist Badge.
While stationed in Germany in 1981, Jim discovered what would become his lifelong hobby and passion: skeet shooting. He became a steadfast leader within the National Skeet Shooting Association, across Zone 4, and throughout the North Carolina Skeet Shooting Association. Jim was a respected, steady presence at the Fort Bragg Clay Target Center, where his leadership and dedication helped the Center host the Junior World Skeet Championships in 2015 and 2019 and earn multiple Club of the Year honors. His mentorship, generosity, and genuine care for shooters of every age and experience level strengthened the sport and enriched countless lives. He was inducted into the NCSSA Hall of Fame in 2019 and the NSSA Hall of Fame in 2023.
Jim was a Freemason, a member of the Scottish Rite, and active in numerous military and civilian organizations. A proud Texan and Soldier for all his days, he lived a life defined by service to his country, to his community, and to the people he loved. He shared an unbreakable bond with his faithful dog, Lexi, whose presence brought him great comfort and companionship.
Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of more than 46 years, Belinda (Bowersox) Tiner. He was the son of the late Martha Jo (Battles) Tiner and Henry Bivin Tiner. He is also survived by his brother, Larry B. Tiner (Jill) of Athens, Texas; nephew Larry B. Tiner Jr. (Ashley) of Eustace, Texas; brother-in-law Alan Bowersox of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law Deborah Bowersox Smith (Rich) of Manheim, Pennsylvania; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. on 9 December at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake, North Carolina, with Military Honors and Masonic Services, followed by services at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2505 Village Dr., Fayetteville, North Carolina.
PLEASE NOTE: Jim’s memorial service will be live streamed, accessible by clicking here and scrolling down to the “Services” section.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on line to the 82nd Airborne Div Association at 82ndairborneassociation.org or to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation at specialops.org
Photos from 2025 North Carolina Open State Shoot
The NCSSA thanks Rob Dudley for his wonderful photos from our 2025 State Shoot!
