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.
___________
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.