Benjamin “Ben” T. Parker, Jr. was called home to the Lord on May 29, 2024. He was 78 and a longtime resident of Hayesville, NC. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Parker of Asheville, NC, his son, Deryck Parker and wife Adrianne Parker, of Goldsboro NC, his grandchildren Alex Parker, Gracie Parker, Paxton Parker and Harmony Lunsford, his brother Trannis Parker of Tate, GA and sisters Brenda Parker Rich and husband Charles Rich of Young Harris, GA, Sandra Parker Sisum and husband William Sisum of Blairsville, GA, his many nieces and nephews, his best friend Larry Harper and cousin Tracy Enders, both of whom were with him, and his daughter Julie, during his final hours. He has been reunited with those who passed before him, his beloved mother, Lois L. Shook Parker, father Benjamin T. Parker, Sr. and his grandparents.
Ben served as an M.P. in the Army and Army reserves and as a member of the National Guard. He credits his Military Service with allowing him to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Carolina University, something he felt he could not have done without the G.I Bill. He remained proud of his service and grateful for its benefits throughout his life.
Ben sold real estate for many years, first with Carolina Country Real Estate and later with his own company, Ben Parker Real Estate. His many repeat customers and longevity in the business were a testament to his hard work, business acumen and engaging personality. He loved his work and took pride in his accomplishments. Many of his clients turned into lifelong friends, which brought him great joy.
Ben was a member of the Western North Carolina Shrine Club and is its current Treasurer. He is also a member of the Noble of the Oasis Shriners Temple in Charlotte, NC. He was a proud member of the Freemasons, Stevens Lodge 414, and was a past Master. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He was known for his smoked fish, something he always brought to the annual Parker Family Reunion, a much loved tradition. He loved God and his family completely and his final wish was that people should unite and love each other and accept God in their lives.
Visitation will be held at Townson- Rose Funeral Home, 525 Highway 64 Business, Hayesville, NC on Saturday June 1st from 6pm to 8pm. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Hayesville, NC at 2pm on Sunday, June 2nd. Ben will be interred at the Cemetery at the Old Brasstown Baptist Church at 66 State Route 66, Young Harris, GA, immediately following the funeral service. The service will be led by Reverend Chad Sisum. Pallbearers will be Larry Harper, Steve Rauch, Paxton Parker, Robbie Rich, Chad Sisum and Scott Sisum along with honorary pallbearer, Alex Parker. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in his honor to Shriners Hospitals for Children, www.lovetotherescue.org, 1-844-739-0849, 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.
As Ben would tell you, he loved people. His warmth, authenticity and big heart drew people to want to get to know him. His friendships were numerous and came from all walks of life. The love and loyalty he had for his family and friends is well known and is his greatest legacy.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
James Mitchell Myers 
