Benson, NC: Mr. Kenneth E. Parker, age 79, of Railroad Road passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at UNC Johnston Health Hospital in Smithfield surrounded by his loving family. Family will receive friends from 10:00AM to 10:45AM Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson. Funeral Services will be held 11:00AM Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. Officiating will be Mr. Parker Wood. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson with Military Honors. The Parker Family invites family and friends to Unity Advent Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 304 Unity Church Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524 for a time of remembrance and a meal following the committal service. 

Mr. Parker was born on April 28, 1946 in Johnston County to the late Willie Oscar and Nola Belle Capps Parker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia “Pat” Beasley Parker; his brothers and sisters, Aaron Oscar Parker, O. C. Parker, Norman Parker, Chester Parker, Mildred Mae Adams, and Hilda Faye Hailey; his half-brother, Ervin Parker; and his half-sisters, Sally Ruth Tew and Leola McLamb. Mr. Parker retired as a Captain after 31 years with the North Carolina Department of Corrections. He was a US Army Veteran serving in Germany during the Vietnam War. Mr. Parker enjoyed traveling and surf fishing at North Topsail Beach. You would often find him on the golf course, working in his vegetable garden or tinkering in his workshop. He was a member of Unity Advent Christian Church in Four Oaks.

Survivors include his son, K. Ryan Parker and wife, Rosanne Smith of Raleigh; sister, Judy P. Wood and husband, Raylon; sister-in-law, Gail Evans of Four Oaks; several special nieces and nephews.

The Parker Family appreciates your thoughts and prayers at this time but request that you respect their privacy and please just attend the services on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Unity Advent Christian Church, c/o Sue Johnson, 304 Unity Church Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524.

Arrangements by Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.