Harrel Aubrey Parker

Harrel Aubrey Parker, 81, of Bedford, died Friday, April 16, 2010 at Carillon Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  He was the loving husband of Nellie Overstreet Parker for 61 years.



Born July 3, 1928 in Bedford, he was a son of the late Lala Carter Parker and the late William Aubrey Parker.



In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters; Katherine Louise Parker, and Carrie Gaynelle Overstreet, and a brother, Paul Stafford Parker.



In addition to his wife Harrel is survived by his children; Harrel Aubrey Parker, Jr. and his wife, Shelia, of Clarksville, Dianne Parker Barrett and her husband, John, of Bedford, Kevin Burks Parker and his wife, Kitty, of Montvale, Valerie Kay Myers and her husband, Bill, of Moneta, and Darrell Lane Parker, of Bedford, two brothers; Dan Graham Parker and his wife, Sarah, of Thaxton, and James David Parker, of Thaxton, three sisters; Ida Doris Orange, of Bedford, Lelia Pearl Orange and her husband, Leslie, of Bridgeton, NJ, and Marie  Parker Lewis and her husband, Marvin, of Panama City, FL,  seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.



Harrel will be remembered as a soft-spoken man who wasn\"™t hard to please. He loved his family and his pets.  He loved to garden and enjoyed entertaining people with his guitar, especially at church. He was a member of Cool Spring Presbyterian Church, where he seldom missed a Sunday service.



The family will receive friends from 3 P.M. to 5 PM, Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford.  A Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 19, 2010 in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home with the Rev. Earl C. Ragland and the Rev. Geoff Hubbard officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park, Forest.



Memorial contributions maybe made to Cool Spring Presbyterian Church, 6009 Murray Hollow Road, Thaxton, VA 24174.



Tharp Funeral Home Bedford is assisting the Parker family. To send condolences, please visit www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.