Our beloved Melvin Alexander Parker entered into eternal rest on the morning of November 29, 2025. He was born in Hertford, North Carolina, on March 16, 1938, to the late Percy and Bessie Felton Parker.
After graduating from Perquimans County High School in North Carolina, Melvin moved to New York, where he enlisted in the United States Army and later the Army Reserves. During this time, Melvin earned an associate degree from John Jay Community College of Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Suny College of New York.
While in the Army, Melvin was promoted to Command Sergeant Major. While serving in the Army Reserves, he also worked as a New York City Police Officer and was later promoted to Police Sergeant. After 30 years of service in the Army Reserves and 22 years with the New York City Police Department, Melvin retired.
In 1966, Melvin was united in holy matrimony to Catherine A. James. From this union, two children were born: a daughter, Rhona Parker, and a son, Alex Parker, who preceded him in death. In 1991, he and Catherine relocated to Williamsburg, Virginia. There, he became a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, serving as Vice Chair of the Trustee Board, a member of the Men’s Fellowship and Men’s Choir, and as a cook.
Melvin was a loving and warm-hearted person, blessed with many loyal friends throughout his life’s journey. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, watching movies and sports, and taking bus trips with friends.
His precious memories will forever be cherished by his daughter, Rhona Parker; his first cousin, Thomas “Skeet” Sharpe, who was raised as a brother; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and caring friends.
A service to celebrate and honor CSM Parker’s life will be held at Noon on Friday, December 12, 2025, at The Historic First Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment with Full Military Honors to follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park.
