William Anthony Parker

William Anthony Parker, of Statesville, NC, died in his home, surrounded by his family on August 21, 2017. He was 46 years old. Bill was born on August 22, 1970, in Chicago, IL, to Don and Marlene Parker. After moving with his family to Statesville, NC, Bill graduated from Statesville Senior High School in 1988 and from the University of North Carolina - Charlotte in 1992. Following his graduation, Bill married Melanie Draughn Parker in 1993 and, in 2000, the pair welcomed their daughter, Gabrielle Nicole Parker. Until the end, Bill’s primary goal in life was to love and provide for his wife and daughter. He was also a beloved part of his extended family and friends and was always ready with a smile and a joke. Bill’s career began at Intercraft Industries in Statesville, NC, and included employment with two Fortune 50 companies. Outside of his family and work, Bill was the original drummer in the band Thirsty Horses and was an avid fan of KISS. He was also a faithful parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Statesville, NC. Left to cherish in his memory are his wife, Melanie, and his daughter, Gabrielle; mother, Marlene; brother, David Parker; sister, Barbara Parker Miller (Tom) of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother, Ken Parker (Donna); mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gene and Terry Lauer of Mooresville, NC; sister-in-law, April Louzini of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law, Lara Blackwell (Jerry) of Pawley’s Island, SC; brother-in-law John Lauer (Alley) of Mooresville, NC; fourteen nieces and nephews; and five great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Don. A visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, August 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. A funeral is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. at St. Philip’s on Wednesday, August 23.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to 129 Stonehouse Dr., Statesville, NC 28625 to set up a scholarship fund for Gabrielle. Online condolences may be made at www.nicholsonfunerals.com . Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.