Carl D. Parker Jr.

Carl Dennis Parker Jr, 90, passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at his home in Durham, NC. Mr. Parker was born December 14, 1935, in Wilmington, to Carl Dennis Parker Sr. and Allie Mae Stillman. They raised 5 boys. Dennis, as he was known by family, was the oldest.

 As a youth he built and raced a soap box derby in a Wilmington Community event in 1946. His father had a trucking business where he learned to drive and acquired repair skills. He graduated in 1954 from New Hanover High School and was involved in activities at the community church Oak Grove Presbyterian. His mother was involved in starting this church in her home and moved to a building purchased by the Presbytery who moved it to it’s current location on the Carolina Beach Rd. Dennis worked his way through college in a body shop until graduating in 1957 from Wilmington College with an Associate in Arts – Engineering 2 yr degree. He designed and drew up architectural plans for the steeple and expansion of Oak Grove Presbyterian Church. It was here that he met the love of his life, Wanda, and sang together in the church choir for many years. Dennis and Wanda were married in this church on Aug 10, 1958. For their honeymoon they drove to the NC Mountains in his 1937 Buick. Dennis & Wanda raised a daughter and son in these early years in Wilmington then moved to Durham in 1975 to further his career as Branch Manager, Engineering Aide in R/W Division #5. He managed about 8 counties in land acquisition. 

Dennis became known as Carl in his 40 year career with the NCDOT – Right of Way Division. Carl was a member of many organizations in his long career. He was elected to be “Honorary Member” of the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” for state service -1997, awarded Ruritan of the Year-2002, served on the SECU Advisory Board, member of the American Right of Way Association, long time member of Triangle Presbyterian Church, Deacon and choir member, member of the Mt. Sylvan UMC Seniors Board, Elder and Senior Group Leader of Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Carl enjoyed many hobbies. He and his son, Mike restored C.D. Sr’s 1955 Chevy car with an award for Best Original Restoration, collected and restored metal Tonka toy trucks & cars, many woodworking projects and “Mr. Fix It” in many ways. Carl most enjoyed talking with people and giving away personalized ink pens, calendars and candy. He was well known across the community for his kindness and hospitality.

Mr. Parker is survived by his daughter, Annette Adkins and husband Doug of Durham, his son, Michael Parker and wife Melanie of Knightdale, grandchildren Annalee Adkins, Sarah, Christopher and Kristina Parker, brother Jimmy Parker and wife Patsy of Wilmington, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Parker, his brothers, Bobby Parker, Joey Parker and Julian Parker.

In addition to his family, he was deeply loved and cared for by his loyal family of caregivers, April Durham, her husband Brian, her daughter Kendaleah, her son Trinidy Walker and fiancé Hailey. They were a true blessing to his everyday life for the last several years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday February 23rd at 11:00 am at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home 315 Willow Woods Drive Wilmington, NC 28409. There will be a reception following the service with light refreshments.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church in Durham on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:30 am. Refreshments will follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in memory of Carl D. Parker to Duke Homecare & Hospice www.givetodukeathome.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl D. Parker Jr., please visit our floral store.