CASTLE HAYNE  -  Harold Lee Parker, 95, of Castle Hayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington.

Born on May 10, 1930, in Hubert, North Carolina, Mr. Parker was the son of the late Robert E. Lee Parker and Essie Marie Holland Parker.

He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Hazel Irene Brown Parker; and his brothers, Wallace O. Parker, D. Alton Parker, and Robert "Bobby" J. Parker.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Ruby Constance "Connie" Parker; his children, Michael Lee Parker of Wilmington, Steven Harold Parker of Conway, South Carolina, and Tammy Marie Parker Greer of Wilmington; stepchildren, Sara Brown (Paul) of Little River, South Carolina and Benjamin Parker Thomas (Nicole) of Haslet, Texas. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, David Greer, Jr., Danielle Greer, Jackson Parker, Nathan Parker, Bailey Brown, and Bryce Thomas, his brothers, Gerald C. Parker (Jean) of Greensboro and Kenneth R. Parker (Eloise) of Wilmington, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Harold graduated from White Oak High School in Onslow County and is a graduate of old Wilmington College, now UNCW, earning an Associate of Arts degree in merchandising. While attending college, he proudly played basketball for the Seahawks. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Harold especially loved basketball and golf. One of his greatest thrills was attending the Masters Golf Tournament beginning in 1971, missing only a few years over more than five decades.

He faithfully served his country in the US Army at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Harold's strong work ethic began on his father's farm. Over the years he drove trucks, worked as a sales associate in a department store, sold bonds, and worked with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, and operated a service station. In 1959, he discovered his true passion, real estate, and became a licensed realtor. He remained an active member of local, state, and national Boards of Realtors for more than 60 years.

He owned and operated Harold Parker Realty and Harold Parker Construction. He loved every aspect of real estate selling property, building homes and offices, and developing land for families to establish roots. In 1979, he served as President of the Wilmington Board of Realtors and continued serving on the board for many years.

Harold was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Committee of One Hundred. He was a lifetime member of the Wilmington Board of Realtors, Cape Fear Club, BPO Elks Club, Pine Valley Country Club, Landfall Country Club, Echo Farm Country Club, and the Wilmington Executive Club. In recognition of his distinguished career, the Wilmington Regional Board of Realtors honored him with the distinction of Realtor Emeritus and inducted him into the Realtor Hall of Fame in 2016.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 5, 2026, 11:00 AM at Pine Valley Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, North Carolina. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m., at the Parker Family Cemetery in Hubert.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Children's Hospital.

Harold will be remembered for his integrity, bold spirit, leadership, love of family, and life defined by hard work, dedication, and strength.