Anthony William Parker

January 15, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Anthony “Tony” William Parker, 69, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at his home in Charlotte, NC, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous fight with Melanoma.

Tony, a Charlotte native, initially attended East Mecklenburg High School and ultimately graduated from Independence High School.  He had recently retired from Sunbelt Packaging, where he enjoyed a successful career in textiles that spanned over 40 years.  Tony was happily married to Janet Barber Parker, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, for the past 45 years.  The love they shared was something out of a storybook.

Tony was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 50 years where he served as a Deacon.  He was also President of the Providence High School Booster Club, and a lifelong member of Ducks Unlimited. Tony had several great passions in life—hunting, fishing, boating and being committed to anything and everything that involved his daughters and Janet.  He was the ultimate Girl Dad before there was such a thing.  Tony’s greatest life achievement was unquestionably his love and devotion to Janet and his three daughters.

He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, wildly entertaining stories, unconstrained sense of humor and big-hearted laughs.  Tony was undoubtably one of the most magnanimous men that never allowed an excuse or obstacle to prevent him from helping a friend in need.

Tony lived life to the fullest.  Even in his later years when cancer had robbed him of his strength and stamina, his illness did not extinguish his sense of humor, his gratitude, his thoughtfulness, and most importantly his ever-enduring love for his friends and family. In summary, Tony Parker was a life force.  “How ‘bout that!”

Tony is survived by his wife, Janet; three daughters, Cameron Parker Pons and her husband, Chan, Lauren Miles Parker, and Whitney Parker Barrow and her husband, Cabell; five granddaughters, Bowen Pons, Parker Grace Pons, Hollins Pons, Birdie Barrow, and Harper Barrow.  Also surviving are his mother, Mary Louise Ridgeway and her husband, Donnie; brother, Ken Parker and sister, Susan Bennett and her husband, Dennis.

A memorial service to celebrate Tony’s life will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church.  The service will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/WDESMy7GyiY for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Tony to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 101 Colville Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 or Levine Cancer Center, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, Charlotte, NC 28204 or Ducks Unlimited, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Steve Tuttle

    I am so sorry I am so late responding and even sorry I was not at his services due to medical reasons.

    Tony was one of the best friends I have ever had and one of the best men I have ever known. Met him at 15 or 16 years old and he has been a huge part of my life ever since. I turned 65 in November...We spent endless hours waxing my 68 GTO and his beautiful 73 Olds Cutlass more hours than I can count. His brother Masey and I were also best friends , who had an awesome 70 GTO...and had many escapades together!! Some of which didn't make Tony and the Parker family very proud ?..but somehow we got thru it all!!

    We maintained our friendship through my adult life with their incredible family...watched all 3 of their remarkable beautiful daughters grow up graduate from great institutions and begin great careers of their own..They are all extremely talented in their own right and like their mother Janet...head strong , smart, and beautiful...They always say behind a successful man is a better woman and Janet Barber is the definition of that...There are not enough adjectives to describe her other that she is phenomenal in everyway. I cherish her and her beautiful daughters.

    Tony continued our friendship until his death and continued to be my great friend and mentor...gave me great advice on my career I took and better advice I wished I had taken.
    I loved his LAUGH AND SMILE more than anything...he was a much better friend to me than I was to him but I am a better man for knowing him. I will miss him everyday of what's left of my life...He was truly a MANS MANS with a gentle generous soul and the ultimate family man.I loved him dearly. Up right Heeee T brother

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  • Becky Arrowood

    I am so sorry for your loss, I worked with Tony at Sunbelt and he was one of a kind who will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you during this time and the days ahead.

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  • Diane And Donnie Griggs

    Susan and Family
    Our heartfelt sympathy for the lose of your brother. May God’s comfort and grace surround this family in your great time of need.

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  • Jimmy Guy

    Janet, Mary, Susan and Family. So Sorry to hear of Tony's passing. May God give you strength during this very sad time.

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  • Dale Vaughan

    Janet and the Girls, I was so sorry to read about Tony's passing. He was larger than life. I remember him as part of my dad's crew at Westminster.
    He always collected bicentennial quarters and every time I come across one, I think of him.

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  • Brenda Harris McGonagil

    I am so sad about Tony's passing. During his high school years he was truly a member of our family. I know my brother, John Harris, will miss him forever.My sincerest condolences to his family.

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  • Karen Averill

    On behalf of Dr. Mikell and staff of Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry: We are so sorry to hear this sad news, you are all in our thoughts and prayers

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  • Greer Mayer

    We have not had the pleasure of knowing Tony and Janet very long. Chuck and I are neighbors of Cameron and Chan. When Tony and Janet visited, it was always laughs, stories and banana pudding!!
    A quick wit, laughter and always a smile.
    Fair winds and following seas, Tony.

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  • Tracey Mansolillo

    I loved living next door to the Parkers in Charlotte for many years, and could not have asked for better neighbors. Even though Tony was always complaining to me about something and calling me a crazy Yankee, we had such a mutual respect for one another! He was always there when I needed him. I loved how he adored his wife and girls, and he always made me laugh. He will indeed be missed. RIP buddy.
    Tracey

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  • Caroline Moss

    Thinking of you Janet and family. I loved working with Tony and will miss his calls and our talks. Love you TP

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