Claude Lee Parker's Obituary
Claude Lee Parker, age 76, passed away peaceably at his home in Annapolis, MD on Friday morning, August 26, 2016. He was the fourth of seven siblings born to John Henry and Lucy Mary Parker on August 8, 1940 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He was truly a mama’s boy; mama was always his number one lady!
He was educated in the North Carolina Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1958. The following year Claude enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years; he was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. Several years later Claude enrolled and attended the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Many would agree that he was his parents’ brightest child.
Claude was employed by the Anne Arundel Public Library’s Department of Information Technology where he worked as a Computer Specialist. In 2007, after 20 years of service, he retired as a well-liked, well-respected and very dedicated employee.
Claude was best known for having a laid back and easy going personality who was greatly loved by friends and family. He possessed a giving spirit and was generous to a fault. No one could have had a better friend. As a young man he was a good dancer and a sharp dresser. His pants had to be creased and his shirts had to be freshly laundered. He was an avid sports fan who loved the games of basketball, baseball, tennis and especially football! Football was his favorite sport and the Redskins was his favorite team whether they were winning or losing. He also enjoyed watching politics involving this current Trump and Clinton presidential campaign unfold on MSNBC. He thought it was quite interesting and humorous. He kept his brain sharp by doing crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune every evening from his easy chair.
Later in life Claude accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a member of Woodstream Church in Mitchellville, MD where he attended regularly until his illness overtook him. When his physician informed him that he had cancer, his remarks were simply, “I’ve had a very good life.” And he surely did!
Claude held a special place in his heart for his cousin, Shirley Wright, who he talked with on the telephone for hours at a time almost every day. He also had a great fondness for his nephew and confidant, Michael Clanton, whose loving care was more than evident until the very end.
Claude is predeceased by his parents, John and Lucy Parker; a sister, Evelyn Clanton; brothers, John, George and Horace Parker. He is survived by two sisters, Gwendolyn Phillips of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Marian Jenkins of Annapolis, MD, one sister-in-law, Kathy Parker of New York, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Surely, Claude will be truly missed by many!
What’s your fondest memory of Claude?
What’s a lesson you learned from Claude?
Share a story where Claude's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Claude you’ll never forget.
How did Claude make you smile?