Ronald Leslie Parker, 82, of Gates, NC passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Born on October 15, 1943, Ronald was the husband of Rebecca Turner Taylor Parker and the son of Ernest Parker and Alice Smith Parker, both deceased. He retired from Union Camp Sheet Finishing Department after 35 years of dedicated service. Ronald was a long-time member of Reynoldson Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Gates Volunteer Fire Department and the Gates Hunt Club. Ronald was proud to be the co-owner with his son, Jeff of Red Barn Farms and RBF Wheelchair Transport.

Survivors include his four children, Cathy Collins and Phil Winslow, David Parker, Jody Brinkley, and Jeff Taylor and wife, Lisa; seven grandchildren, Anna-Lee Blythe, Mary Alice Wilkey and husband, Nate, Jessica Newsome and husband, Brady, Amber Taylor, Parker Taylor, Ryan Parker, and Zoe Parker; and four great grandchildren, L.T. Foster, Grayson Foster, Miller Newsome, and Wylder Jo Wilkey.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his three sisters, Gladys Biscomb, Dorothy Lee Ward, and Emily DeFelice; two grandsons, Caleb Kittrell and Justin Kittrell; and his loyal and beloved companion, “Ernie”.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, Gatesville, NC. At other times the family will receive friends at his son’s residence at 327 Rooks Road, Gates, NC 27937.

Funeral services celebrating Ronald’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Eure Christian Church with Pastor Wade Bennett officiating. Interment will follow in the Parker Family Cemetery, Gates, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gates Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 325, Gates, NC 27937.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the Parker family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com