Dr. Raymond Ellis Parker was born to M-Sgt. Jacob and Sybil Parker on May 5, 1938 in Lawton, Oklahoma. At an early age he joined Barnett Chapel AME church. He was the fifth born to this union. His brothers include Jacob Parker of Lawton, Oklahoma, Albert Parker and wife Sandra of San Jose, California, Leonard Parker and wife Karina of Antioch, California, James Parker of Lawton, Oklahoma. His sisters included Doris Parker of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Joan Parker Reynolds and husband Ralph of Lawton, Oklahoma. He was preceded by his parents and brothers Jacob, Leonard, and Albert. Raymond's educational journey began with him graduating from Douglass High School in Lawton, Oklahoma, then receiving his Bachelors degree of Science at Langston University, his Masters of Education degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University, and culminating with him receiving his Doctor of Education degree from Oklahoma State University. His professional experiences include teaching at Marion Anderson and Hamilton Junior High Schools of Tulsa Public Schools; Assistant Principal at Carver Junior High School; Principal at Booker T. Washington High School; Associate Professor of the Department of Education, Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina; Dean of Registrar, Director of the Technology Department, and Professor of the Department of Education at Langston University where he retired in 1996. He became a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., pledging through the Beta Kappa Chapter, at Langston University, Oklahoma's first Black Greek chapter of all the organizations. He enjoyed the brotherhood of the Alpha Tau Lambda Graduate Chapter of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also participated in various social and leadership organizations throughout his professional career. Raymond was survived by his loving wife, Dr. Beverly M. Parker, his college sweetheart of 48 years, his daughters Crystal Parker Adindu (Samuel), Dallas, TX., Tonya Parker, Dallas, TX.; granddaughter Caryssa and grandson Christopher. He enjoyed spending time with his family, being a husband, father, and grandfather. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and faithful friends of the family. Services for Dr. Raymond Parker, a former professor for Langston University, will be held on Saturday April 10, 2010 at 2:30PM inside the All Faiths Chapel in Tulsa. Visitation will be on Friday from 1PM until 7PM in Tulsa. Interment will follow on Monday at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Lawton, Oklahoma.
(Keith Biglow Funeral Home)