Timothy Parker

Timothy Parker, age 74, of Burlington, NC and formerly of Elon, NC, passed away on January 10, 2021, at Cone Health ARMC following a brief illness.

He was born in his grandparents’ home in Cheraw, SC, on May 20, 1946, son of the late Willie Hudson Parker, formerly of Asheboro, NC and Ruthie Lee Taylor Parker, formerly of Wilmington, NC.

Timothy’s wife, Annie Ruth Webb Parker, predeceased him in 1991 and was ever present in his heart for all of his days.

He was also predeceased by his youngest sister, Sandra Parker Foy, formerly of Greer, SC, and a half-brother, Curtis Parker, formerly of Charlottesville, VA.

Timothy is survived by his only daughter, Maria Parker Hoyt (husband Randall Hoyt, II) of Elkin, NC, his only granddaughter, Tana Smith (fiance Aaron Wells) of Chapel Hill, NC, his only grandson, Hank Porter of Elkin, NC, and his sister Judie C. Gray of Waynesboro, VA. He is also survived by his half-siblings Dale Parker, Norma Jean Lanier and Sherrie Lee Duggins. In addition, Timothy is survived by his cousin, Inez Huggins of Myrtle Beach, SC, several other cousins, nieces, nephews and their extended families. He is also survived by his friend and confidant, David Armstrong of Burlington, NC.

He voluntarily served in the United States Marine Corps, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam and stationings at Camp Lejeune, NC and in Pensacola, FL.

Timothy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Elon College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He served as the Assistant to the then President of the College, Dr. J. Earl Danieley. While studying there, he became a member of the Pi Gamma Mu National Social Sciences Honor Society and the Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society.

He also received his Juris Doctor from the UNC School of Law in 1978 and interned with the Alamance County Manager/Attorney. He was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 1978 and was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in 1994.

Timothy served as Mayor of Elon College from 1979-1985. During this period of service, he played a key role in the decision making process of the businesses of R.H. Barringer and Twin Lakes Retirement, along with many others, to locate in Elon, due to his securing funding and establishment of sewer outfalls for the Town of Elon. While serving as Mayor he received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Town. In honor of his service as Mayor, and in remembrance of him, the Town of Elon has flown their flags at half-staff this week.

He was the Town Attorney for and aided in the incorporation of the Town of Whitsett and the Town of Green Level.

Timothy was a very active member of the Burlington Jaycees, a participant in their fundraisings for charity, was Nominated for the Five Most Outstanding Young Men of North Carolina, the 25 Most Outstanding Young Men of the United States in 1981 and received the Freedom Guard Award, the A. Howard White Memorial Distinguished Service Award and the Exhausted Rooster Award in 1983.

Timothy was the former charter President and member of the Alamance County Economic Advisory Council, was a member of the Exchange Club of Elon College and a member of the American Legion Post 63 when it was located on Willowbrook Drive in Burlington.

He had been a member of the Elon College Community Church and had served as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Timothy is remembered in the area for his performances and for sharing his talent. One newspaper article dubbed him as “The Singing Mayor.” He publicly sang many country and western songs, but was most well-known for his love of sharing the songs of Elvis Presley.

A published poet and lyricist, he picked up the pen at the tender age of nineteen while serving his country in Vietnam, unknowingly providing himself a coping mechanism that aided him through his most difficult times.

One of his poems was “I Made a Memory Today” and can be found in the collection of poems titled “Beyond The Garden’s Gate.” His family is most thankful for his words that remain forever along with their memories.

Private family services will be held. The family would like to thank the community of friends for their continuing love and support.

If anyone would like to make a contribution in his honor, a scholarship fund to benefit a student from Alamance County was established by him and his daughter in honor of his late wife at Elon University. It is the Annie Ruth Parker Scholarship Fund. In addition, Timothy was a faithful supporter of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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