Raybon Kimble Parker "Buddy", went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 3, 2020 at 11:45 am at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, NC due to complications from the COVID-19 virus. He was 80 years old.


He was born to the late Justin “Jess” and Laura “Belle” Baxley Parker in Long Branch, Robeson County, NC. on September 10, 1939. He was the 11th of 12 children. Funny fact about his name is that he wasn’t officially named until the age of 3. He chose the name Kimbu from a Tarzan movie and his brother, Bedford, chose Rabon. Somehow it was misspelled when made legal, however.

Growing up in the South, he acquired his strong work ethic by helping his family and family friends cropping tobacco, planting corn and vegetables. Occasionally, he would work in the cotton fields. It was a different time back then. Life was hard. You had to be tough and his children always thought he was the strongest, toughest man they ever knew.

He was a 1957 graduate of Orrum High School and had some of the best school mates anyone could ever ask for. His friends were just as much brothers and sisters to him as his own siblings.]

After graduation he moved to Charlotte, NC to be with his brothers and to pursue his own interests. It was there that met Dorothy "Dot" Mixon of Rock Hill, SC. His sister, Judy, said that he always wanted to get married on his parent’s anniversary and not long after meeting Dot, he did just that. They were married on Oct 2, 1959. Dot was a Registered Nurse at York County General Hospital. He loved her so much.

Buddy and Dot and their first son, Rabon Durran “Randy”, who was born in 1960, joined Trinity Baptist Church. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at Trinity. Richard was born in 1965, Robin in 1969 and Rory in 1970. The family then joined Woodlawn Baptist Church where Buddy became a Deacon. He also coached softball, baseball and worked in the R.A. Program at the church. Buddy and Dot had so many special friends that has lasted a lifetime.

In Charlotte, Buddy worked for Brown Paint Company, AMP Incorporated and for the Charlotte Orioles Baseball Organization. He developed lifelong friendships with his co-workers at AMP. Barbara Helms Mowka was one of those special friends who remained at Buddy and Dot’s side till the end.

In 1985, all the family moved to Lumberton. He worked for his nephew, Ted for a number of years before he took over Parker Music & Video.

Buddy loved baseball, golfing, fishing and The UNC Tarheels. Although he didn’t consider himself to be a good dancer, he and Dot used to love to shag. He could spend hours with his brothers and sister watching basketball and baseball and going out to eat at Pier 41. He loved helping his friends and neighbors. Whether it was cutting down trees or sweeping the yards as he called it. Many friends recall all of his help during the hurricanes that destroyed so much of Robeson County. Despite, almost losing it all twice, friends recall how he was always there for them. He was funny, kind, had a great smile, a big heart, a huge personality and never met a stranger. His poem, Old Thing and his song, Pine Tree, will never be forgotten.

He leaves behind his children Randy (Debbie), Richard (Beth) and Robin Parker Meekins (Craig) and Rory; 7 grandchildren Shannon Lefler, Patrick Parker, Brandon Parker, Michael Parker, Amber Parker McQueen, Rosa Parker and Sarah Meekins Durham and 9 great grandchildren, Caleb and Lucas Lefler, Keyera, Peyton and Kayden McQueen, Abigail and Olivia Parker and Reece and Brynn Durham.

Buddy also leaves behind two brothers, Norman Parker (Barbara), Ertle Parker and Judy Parker and her friend, Willis “Junior” McLamb, who Buddy considered a special friend, countless nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. A special thank you to his great friend, Jr. Walters for all he did during the hurricanes. He could have never made it without you.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Grady “Preston” Baxley, Sr., Jesse Clarence “Jack” Parker, Marvin Lee “Bud” Parker, Carl “Bedford” Parker and Clifton Lincous “Link” Parker, sisters, Sue Neal Parker, Eunice Parker Ward and Louvenia Parker Ivey. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Mixon Parker who passed away in 2015.

Buddy has reunited with his bride who he has missed tremendously since her passing in 2015. He longed to be with her. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, services as he deserves are going to be determined at a later date. The family will notify everyone once the restrictions are lifted].