William Andrew “Shorty” Parker

William Andrew “Shorty” Parker, 89 of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully at Hospice in Asheville on Saturday, April 21, 2018. He was born in Burke County, NC and was the son of the late William Parker and Nadie Chapman Parker. William was a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. He was a devoted husband and father who loved his family dearly. William was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the DAV and American Legion Post 21. William was a very outgoing person who never met a stranger. He loved fishing, hunting and doing anything outdoors. William especially liked to drive and tinker with his tractors.

In addition to his parents he was preceded death by brothers, Robert Furman Parker, Gene Parker, Jesse Parker, and Billy Zane Parker; sisters, Julie Ann Parker, Beulah Mae Parker, and Joie Parker Dayberry.

William is survived by his wife, Ruth Peeler Parker of the home; daughter, Pat Simpson; brother, Ray Dean Parker; sisters, Buna Lane of Taylorsville, Eunice McCoy, Aileen Attaway, and Mary McNeely; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Combs and Pastor Isaac Propst officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard and the NC National Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyside Baptist Church Building Fund, 1013 Old NC 18, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.