Deacon Charles Stanley Parker

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness. Matthew 25:23

Charles Stanley Parker Sr., fondly known as Stanley, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 in King George, Virginia. He fought the good fight through polio and other illnesses, always trusting and talking openly to the Lord. He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet Toliver Parker, son Charles Stanley Parker, Jr., and granddaughter Alicia Renee Parker.

Stanley was born on April 8, 1928 in King George, Virginia to the late Frank and Eunice Parker. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of Antioch Baptist Church in King George, Virginia. He was an active member of the Usher Board and became a Deacon in the 1980s. Stanley loved to pray long and fervent prayers. With each prayer, he thanked the Lord for another day’s journey and requested blessings for his children and grandchildren.

Stanley loved the outdoors and would spend most of his day involved in outdoor activities such as gardening, hunting, and painting. Stanley grew all types of vegetables and melons which he graciously shared with his family and community. Stanley would often say that he liked to see things grow but gave God credit for the growth. He would say, “I don’t grow anything. I create the conditions for growth, but God grows it.”

Stanley worked for the Federal Government at the Dahlgren Naval Weapons Laboratory for 32 years. While employed, as a tool room mechanic, Stanley was appointed as a local Union official with AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees). He was blessed to be able enjoy the benefit of retirement longer than the span of his working years.

Stanley was an early advocate of civil rights and equality. He was an integral part of the integration of King George Schools in 1962. He personally escorted his youngest son on the first day of school and sat in the classroom with him to ensure his safety.

Stanley loved and was devoted to his family. He and Violet were married for 61 years and raised two sons, Charles “Junior” and Sherman, on the property next to his parent’s home. He leaves to cherish in his memory one loving son Sherman Parker (Leslie); six grandchildren; Dawn (Cliff), Ashley (LaKisha), Michael (Sarah), Brandon (Torrye), Carlos, and Jennifer (Travis); fourteen great-grandchildren; one godchild, Sandra Williams (Robert); one sister, Dr. Lillian Wright; three brothers: Deacon George Parker (Annie Laura), Trustee Leroy Parker (Marjorie), Garnett Parker; sisters-in-law: Roberta Brooks (Willie), Mildred Reed, Shirley Dowell (Bobby), Odessa Toliver; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Stanley’s walk of faith exemplified his perseverance, love, strength, and grace. He was loved deeply by his family and he will live on in their hearts forever.