Luther Donald Parker, 88, of Benson, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Donald was born on April 26, 1938, in Washington D.C. to the late Roland Donald Parker and Bevie Johnson Parker. He grew up in the Meadow area and graduated from Meadow High School in 1957. Donald dedicated his life to farming and took great pride in working the land. He was known for his strong work ethic, willingness to help his neighbors, and deep love for his family. Whether in the fields, at church, or gathered around the table with loved ones, Donald found joy in serving others and sharing his faith as a dedicated member and deacon of Hood’s Grove Baptist Church in Newton Grove.

In January, 1962, Donald married the love of his life, Evelyn Blackman Parker. In the 64 years of their marriage they went on to raise a beautiful family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Thomas Daye Denning.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Blackman Parker; his children, Robert Parker and wife, Joy, of Newton Grove, Mary Denning and husband, Darwin, of Angier, and Tim Parker and wife, Kim and her son, Casey Freeman, of Newton Grove; his grandchildren, Emily D. Makhija and husband, Ajay, of Raleigh, Seth Denning and wife, Maggie, of Angier, Tristan Parker of Newton Grove, and Lillie Rose Parker of Newton Grove; his sister, Beverly Parker Lee of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and his great-grandchildren, Ellora and Elias Makhija of Raleigh, and multiple nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25 from 2:00 - 2:45 PM at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, with service beginning at 3 PM in the Chapel. A burial service will directly follow at the Johnson Family Cemetery, 56 Holly Grove Rd. Benson, NC. The service will be officiated by Pastor Dwight Braswell. The family is receiving visitors at the home.

The family would like to thank his faithful caregivers, Marie Blue, and the ladies of Robeson County.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hood’s Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 65, Newton Grove, NC 28366. Please designate contributions to the Benevolence Fund.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.