Martin Newbury Parker

Martin Newbury Parker, 63, of the Yeopim community of Chowan County, NC, died Thursday, September 10, 2015 in Vidant Medical Center, Greenville. Martin was born in Chowan County on June 1, 1952, and was the son of the late M. Edward and Evelyn Smith Parker. A professional drummer, he had worked in Nashville for many years before moving back to Chowan County, and had played with Vince Gill, Patti Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Vestal Goodman, Earl Scruggs, Bonnie Raitt, Crystal Gayle, and The O'Kanes. Mentored throughout his career by Larry Londin, he had also been a member of The Billy Hill Band on the Warner Brothers label. Surviving are Ira Byrum Parker and sons: Quinton Edward Byrum Parker and fiancé, Katie Ann Carothers; Chris Hare and daughter, Blakelyn Elisabeth Hare; and Jamie Hare and wife, Roxana, and their daughters Evelyn Cruz Hare, Lillian King Hare, and Camilla James Hare. Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, September 13th at 2:00 p.m. in Happy Home Church, 534 Happy Home Road, Tyner. A celebration of Martin's life will follow beginning at 4:00 p.m. Casual attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 206, Edenton, NC 27932. On the memo line of the check the notation should be made, "The Martin Parker Music Fund". Friends may join the family at the home of his mother-in-law, Hazel T. Byrum, 717 Happy Home Road, Tyner. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.