Leon Douglas Parker, 88, of 44074 Catfish Road, New London, passed quietly on June 23, 2009 at the Stanly Regional Medical Center, Albemarle, surrounded by his family, friends and loved ones.  His Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at the New London United Methodist Church, New London, where he was a member.   The Rev. Tony Allen will officiate and inurnment will be in the New London Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at his home on Friday, June 26.

 

Born Oct. 4, 1920 in Stanly County, he was the son of the late Raymond Swink and Bessie Mae Arey Parker.  He was educated at Albemarle High School and Wake Forest University and was a retired owner and operator of Carolina Printing.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during WWII, former mayor of New London, Stanly Community College Trustee and County Commissioner.  He was married to the late Sue Trott Parker who preceded him in death on Oct. 6, 2000.  He is survived by two daughters, Sue Trott McIntyre and husband, Gene, of New London and Ruth Arey Parker Lefko and husband, Carl, of Christiansburg, Va.; five grandchildren, Leon McIntyre and wife, Robin, Sue Anna Courtemanche and husband, Dave, Mary Ivey Medlin and husband, David, Ellen Lefko and Ryan Hamrick; five great-grandchildren, Cameron and Kyra McIntyre, Parker Medlin, Erin and Jacob Courtemanche. Also surviving is nephew and namesake, Doug Surratt, and other nieces and nephews.

 

The family would like to sincerely thank the extended family of the Stanly News and Press, Hospice, Rosebriar, Hal's, New London Methodist Church and the nurses at the Stanly Regional Medical Center for all their care and concerns.  Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Stanly County, 960 N. First St., Albemarle, NC or Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221.