Walter Lucius Parker, Jr.

Walter Lucias Parker, Jr., 77, transitioned on on April 20, 2026.

Walter Lucias Parker, Jr. was born on June 9, 1948, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Mildred Herring and Walter Parker, Sr. He was raised by his grandfather, Lacy “Poppy,” and his grandmother, Lucille Herring, whom the family lovingly called “Mommie.” Walter was the oldest of seven children: Carol, Lacy, Daphine, Jackie, Vincent, and Doug.

He attended Fayetteville public schools and graduated from E. E. Smith High School in 1966. After working several jobs, he found what he called his “best job ever” in 1969 as a train operator with AB&W Transit, later known as WMATA. Walter worked there for over 43 years, retiring in 2008 and later returning to continue his service. He earned many awards and was respected for his professionalism. His voice was so clear and strong that he was once chosen to record metro station announcements.

Walter met his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Parker, and they quickly fell in love. They dated throughout high school, attending dances and school events together. Shirley supported Walter as he played sports and even watched him race his car until he decided to stop. They married on April 11, 1966, and had three children: Katrina, Reginald, and Anissa. They raised their family in Virginia and Maryland, building a strong, loving home together.

Walter was a proud and devoted grandfather, known as “Grandaddy.” He loved spending time with his grandchildren, guiding them and encouraging them to do their best. He was known for giving long talks filled with wisdom, humor, and life lessons—something his family came to love and appreciate. He often used phrases like “Gracious,” “Outstanding!,” “Carry on,” and “Dern,” which became part of his charm and legacy.

Walter’s grandchildren lovingly called him “Grandaddy,” a title he wore with pride. He was very involved in their lives and loved watching them grow into strong, capable young adults. He valued each of them for who they were and spent as much time as he could encouraging and guiding them. He always wanted them to succeed and live full, happy lives.

Walter loved talking with his grandchildren—and just about everyone else. He was known for his long, thoughtful lectures filled with wisdom and humor, which his family came to appreciate and cherish. It wasn’t unusual for conversations to last hours, often ending only when Shirley stepped in to gently break them up. His words and advice left a lasting impact on everyone around him.

He had many favorite sayings. When surprised or impressed, he would say “Gracious” or “Outstanding!” If he approved, he’d say “Carry on.” When something went wrong, he’d say “Dern” or “Dog gon it!” And if something clearly wasn’t right, he’d firmly say, “Dat ain’t it!”

Walter was also a very hardworking man. He worked hard to help pay for college and supported others whenever they needed it. He took great care of his home and yard, making sure everything looked beautiful. He even helped care for his children’s and neighbors’ yards, not for praise, but simply because that was one of the ways he showed his love.

Walter showed he cared through the little things he did for people around him. The neat lines in the grass were his trademark—quiet proof of his hard work and his belief in helping others. He often mowed and improved his neighbors’ yards without even asking, and they loved him for it. He loved his riding mower and taught his grandsons how to use both push and riding mowers. He enjoyed driving his big red pickup with a trailer through Accokeek and Waldorf to take care of others’ yards. Walter took great pride in caring for his wife and family. Shirley would say, “Every day feels like Christmas because Walter makes it that way.”

Walter loved God and had been a faithful member of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church since 1998. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also watched online services at Full Life Ministries, where his son-in-law Rick is senior pastor. He trusted God and lived out his faith daily, showing it through his actions and the way he treated others.

Walter had many talents. Though a baby boomer, he kept up with modern life easily. He was smart, curious, and loved technology, always upgrading gadgets in his home, cars, and more—sometimes to Shirley’s frustration. If something broke, he fixed it. If someone needed help, he was there. He could repair anything—from floors and plumbing to cars and garage doors—and he also lifted people’s spirits when they felt down.

Walter loved sports and was deeply involved in his family’s lives. He coached and trained his daughter Anissa in basketball from a young age, helping her compete at a high level. He later coached his grandsons in basketball and football, traveling across the country for tournaments and championships. He took them to practices, picked them up daily, and even made sure they got to school early in the morning. After they reached high school, he continued coaching with his son-in-law Stan, winning championships together.

Walter loved his grandchildren deeply and treated them as his own. He also took pride in keeping his family’s yards beautiful, often helping them win neighborhood recognition. In earlier years, he enjoyed attending his granddaughter’s Father’s Day ballet performances. Later in life, he was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather, and his three great-granddaughters brought him endless happiness, love, and smiles.

Walter entered eternal rest on April 20, 2026 and is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Parker, Sr., and Mildred Herring; Mother-in- law, Lillie F. Stackhouse, and his sister, Carol Hazzard. Walter leaves to cherish his memory and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Shirley; children, Katrina Briscoe (Stan), Reginald Parker, Anissa Saunders (Rick); grandchildren, Jewell, D’Andre, Jordan, Jared, Justin, Jeremiah, Kamari; great-grandchildren Harlow, Journi, Parker; brothers, Lacy (Carol), Vincent, Doug (Virlene); Sisters, Daphine, Jackie; brothers-in-law, Julian Stackhaus (Christine), Eugene Stackhouse; sisters-in-law, Jimmie Lee Wright and Lillie Francis Procter, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Proverbs 13:22 says that “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.” Walter Lucias Parker, Jr. was a “Good Man” who leaves an inheritance of love, laughter, purpose, dedication, and strength that will continue to live on through his beloved wife, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the countless family, friends and others who were blessed to know him.

Viewing, 10:00 am, Thursday, May, 7, 2026 until time of Service, 11:00 am, at Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, 9832 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735.

Link to Live Stream

https://vimeo.com/event/5906261

Password: 9832

Interment, Heritage Memorial Cemetery, 13472 Poplar Hill Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.