Donald Eric Parker, 45, of Delway, beloved son, husband, daddy, brother and friend has left this earth too soon. Wednesday, September 23, 2015, Don went home to join his infant son, dad, and brother in heaven. Don was a shining light who cast a beacon of love, laughter and genuine kindness to all who crossed his path. He was quick to offer his smile, words of encouragement or the shirt from his back. First and foremost Don loved his Lord, his family and his country. He was a faithful member of Clinton Community Church.

Don was passionate about many things in life, the beach, surfing and fishing; however he was most passionate about helping needy young children he found in Haiti and Afghanistan. His SandalSaint Ministry provided thousands of shoes and sandals to the people of Haiti as well as medical support teams.

Don served over 18 years in the NC National Guard and the US Army Reserve. He deployed to Germany, Kosovo and Afghanistan, serving as a Military Police Sergeant and as a Special Agent with the US Army Criminal Investigation Division. He served with honor, dignity and valor.

Along with his passion for people Don had an incredible ability to leave a part of himself with everyone he met.

Don was born September 15, 1970 in Wilmington, the son of Clara Willetts Parker and the late Donald Lee Parker. Also remembered is his infant son, Christian Benson Parker and brother, Daniel Lee Parker, both who preceded Don in death.

In addition to his mother Don is survived by his wife of 19 years, Robyn Benson Parker; son Donald Eric Parker II; daughter, Kara Grace Parker; sisters, Lisa Grant (Terry), Teresa Spivey (Jerry), and Cheryl Hendrix (Mark); brother, James Robbins (Tonya); and many nieces, nephews and extended family who adored Don.

The family will receive friends at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Clinton Community Church, 1901 Sunset Avenue, Clinton NC with service beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Dwight Dunning and Rev. Steve Gasque will be officiating. Burial will follow in Haw Bluff Baptist Church Cemetery, 1433 Haw Bluff Church Road, Ivanhoe, NC with full military honors accorded by US Army Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family would like for you to consider a memorial gift to Clinton Community Church Memo: Don Parker Haiti Memorial Fund, PO Box 765, Clinton, NC 28329.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.

The family will receive friends at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Clinton Community Church, 1901 Sunset Avenue, Clinton NC with service beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Dwight Dunning and Rev. Steve Gasque will be officiating. Burial will follow in Haw Bluff Baptist Church Cemetery, 1433 Haw Bluff Church Road, Ivanhoe, NC with full military honors accorded by US Army Honor Guard.