Donald Parker Obituary

Donald Carroll Parker, 82, of Brevard, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. Born in Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Earl Furman and Mildred Cantrell Parker. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Pat Parker Brunner.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, he was very active in his church, Brevard United Methodist Church, always trying to live by the quote of Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

After working with the Peace Corps, he became the Admissions Counselor for Berea College in Western North Carolina before taking the position of Agriculture Teacher with Brevard High School. He was a founding member of the Transylvania Land Trust, working for affordable housing for both teachers and the work force. He also served as Transylvania County Commissioner for 8 years.

His passion, since the age of 6, was always farming. His great love, however, was for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Katharine “Kae” Parker; their children, Holly Parker and Donna Alexander (John); grandchildren Isaac Alexander (Chana Mai) and Bailey Lakes (Chandler); great-grandson Beau Lakes; and his brother, Dr. Keith Parker (Jonlyn).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, 1 p.m., at First United Methodist Church in Brevard, NC, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Transylvania Housing Trust, Brevard FFA Alumni Association, or Brevard First United Methodist Church.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.