Johnnie Blake Parker

   Johnnie Blake Parker, 85, of 1316 NC Highway 137, Eure, NC, died Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie.

   Mr. Parker was born in and a life-long resident of the Eure community in Gates County and was the last surviving child born to the late James Kindred and Mary Polly Mullen Parker. His wife, Carolyn Mitchell Parker; his sister, DeLoris Speight; and his brothers, Tommy, Douglas, Joe, Fred, and Alvin Parker all preceded him in death.

   The retired owner of Koppers Lumber Company, he attended Eure Baptist Church, was a former member of the Hall Ruritan Club, was a founding member of the Eure Volunteer Fire Department, and had served in the United States Army.

   Surviving are his daughters, Lori Hollowell (husband, David) and Joy Byrum (husband, Tommy), both of Eure, and Dr. Elizabeth Merricks (husband, Jeff) of Chapel Hill; seven grandchildren, David Lee Hollowell, Jr., Kelli Hollowell, Jeffrey Merricks, Jr., Justin Merricks, Megan Norton (husband, Alex), Blake Kral (husband, David), and Thomas Byrum, III; and eight great-grandchildren, Lydia Burnett, Allie, Samuel, Lucy, and Evie Norton, and Anezka, Ezra, and Lilah Kral.

   Many in the area have enjoyed and will remember the gospel sings that Johnnie Blake hosted in his yard every year in the Spring and Fall seasons. It was his wish that his Home Going service reflect those good times that all enjoyed, so his funeral service will be held this Sunday, October 1st, at 2:00 p.m. in his yard, by the barn, and under the big tent. His pastor, The Rev. Dr. Wayne Proctor will officiate. Following the burial just across the way in the family cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his Carolyn who he always said, “was the best thing that ever happened to me”, everyone is invited back to the barn for gospel music, refreshments, and fellowship with the family and friends.

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting with the arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.milllerfhc.com.