Lead With Character

It is with great earthly sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, faithful brother, and fellow comrade in ministry. Doug Parker was a man fully committed to the Lord, his family, his friends, and to the service of God’s men.

Doug had many internal physical problems and complications arose from surgery, resulting in the failure of multiple organs. His departure was a shock to all and will leave a void in the lives of all who knew him.

Doug loved God and trusted in the Lord. He was a man who soldiered through in life regardless of how he felt. Doug had selflessly served God’s men through Lead With Character for the last 20 years- first as a boy, then as a man. He leaves behind his dear wife, Hannah, and his 2 ½-year-old son, Robert Pelham Parker (“Bo”).

Growing up, Doug was a born achiever- always accomplishing something; always looking for a new challenge; always mastering a task. He was an outstanding multi-sport high school athlete, an accomplished student, and a gung-ho Boy Scout earning his Eagle Scout rank at one of the youngest ages on record. Doug graduated from Appalachian State University where he met the love of his life Hannah and developed life-long friendships. In those days he could often be seen in the area driving his truck, riding on horseback or serving as a cowboy at Tweetsie Railroad where he acquired the nickname, “Cowboy Doug.” Doug was a lover of books- especially old historical ones- and was a voracious reader. Genuine to the core, he was a great friend and loved spending time talking about deeper matters with those close to him.

Being a Parker mattered to him. He loved his family and his extended family and was proud to be a Parker- a family that had selflessly served their fellow man for generations. He desired that his son know the rich, long history of the clan and emulate their finer attributes.

Duty drove the man. He would move heaven and earth to accomplish something that was his duty. Until the very end, this stalwart servant of God did his duty, in spite of intense suffering unknown to us, without a word of complaint. Doug exemplified faithfulness until the last. He greatly trusted in the sovereignty of God and would desire that we remaining brothers do likewise.

We at Lead With Character will miss him dearly. He was our ministry partner, faithful servant, and close friend. We are grateful to God for the enormous impact this man had on so many men and boys from all over the country who went on trips with us. His funeral brought several hundred of these men from all quarters who came to honor this special young man. In the end, every great man wants his life to count, and Doug’s counted double.

While we who are left behind are still in shock and full of sadness, Doug Parker has entered the presence of the risen Christ and is in perfect, blissful fellowship with the Savior. He has joined the church triumphant, and in due time, we will embrace him once again -- where, as he always did, will most likely greet us by saying, “Howdy good sir!”