Floyd Allen Parker

Reverend Floyd Allen Parker, 84, went home to meet his Savior on March 30, 2024, at Morningside of Gastonia with his daughters by his side. He knew this world was not his home. He was just passing through.

He was born in Coral Gables, Florida, on November 17, 1939, to the late Floyd Edward Parker and Betty Nichols Parker. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife and love of his life Sharon Shamblin Parker. His sister Ruah Schwamb and wife Peggy Cobb Parker, who he married late in life after the loss of Sharon, also preceded him in death.

Floyd declared to anyone he met that he was the most blessed person to ever live. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a member of the 2^nd Division Marine Corps Band. After his military service, he returned to his home state of Florida where he graduated from Florida State University. He became a Sherwin Williams paint store manager before surrendering his life to full-time Christian ministry, leaving Florida to attend seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. After seminary he served churches as a Minister of Education in Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina before coming to the Greater Gaston Baptist Association as Church Development Director where he retired. Floyd’s love of music, learning, and laughter never stopped, and he wanted everyone to experience the things he loved. He taught GED math classes at Gaston College, played his trumpet every opportunity he had, and offered words of encouragement to keep walking by faith, not sight. More than anything, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ and wanted others to experience the joy of knowing and loving Him, too. His relationship with Christ enabled him to see every day as a 3G Day – Great, Grand, and Glorious.

Floyd is survived by his daughters, Lorraine Patterson (Chad Dorn) and Kristen Clippard (David); brother, Steve Parker; his grandchildren, Holly Brunetti (Christian), Lauren Patterson, Nathan Clippard, and Carleigh Clippard as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and stepdaughters who all loved him well.

Special thanks to the staff and residents of Morningside of Gastonia who also became family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Heal Our Patriots, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will follow in the chapel at 2:00 pm with his son-in-law, David Clippard officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen, A Quiet Place, Cemetery in Belmont.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com