Carl E. Parker II

Obituary for Carl Edward "Eddie" Parker II Carl Edward Parker II, affectionately known as "Eddie", 62 years of age, while residing in Waldorf, Maryland, peacefully transitioned into the hands of our Lord and Savior shortly after midnight on April 10, 2024. Born to the proud parents of Carl Edward and Mary Elizabeth Bush? Parker on September 21, 1961, in Frostburg, Maryland. Eddie, a Strong Man of God yet a Gentle Giant, dedicated his life to serving and Praising God and Living with Valor. A true testament to his strength is how he overcame a one-year brain cancer diagnosis in early 1998, and a partially paralyzing stroke in December 2015. He pushed through both life altering challenges by leaning on his Faith and the Promises of God for the last 26 years. He NEVER once complained about the disabilities these illnesses brought upon him and NEVER lost his praise. An amazing example of a true Man of God, Faith and Valor! He was educated in Prince George's County Public Schools. After graduating from Suitland High School in 1979, he was accepted into Frostburg State University "FSU" where he continued his love for music and his Hometown of Frostburg. He easily moved into college life with the help of his loving Frostburg family members. He was simply happy to be back home in his beloved Frostburg. In 1981, he became an active member of the world's oldest and largest secret national fraternal society in music, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was so proud of the friendships and brotherhood he experienced with frat, even until recently. During his college tenure at FSU, he further developed his love for the parade marching band-drill was his forte. In 1984, after graduating from FSU with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, he returned home and began working as a substitute teacher and volunteered as Assistant Director of Bands at Largo High School. He also worked to transform the Friendly High School Color Guard team. He took that group of young ladies to a new high-they rocked under his leadership! In 1985, he was hired by Prince George's County Public Schools as a Music/Band Teacher and Gospel Choir Director at the currently known Andrews Jackson Academy, formerly known as Andrew Jackson Middle School. Throughout his 32-year career at the Academy, he utilized both his extensive music training and past experiences to construct a method of music education that would motivate and inspire the life-changing interests of his students. Until his retirement in 2018 he dedicated his life to educating children in the appreciation and joys of music. The students all loved and respected him-his very presence. The bond and friendships he developed with his fellow co-educators while serving at the Academy was amazing. They were more than just a team--they were family to him. He received numerous festival awards and acknowledgments for his musical gifts and talents. After a few years of retired life, he recently stepped out to continue his passion for music as an Instrumental Music Instructor/Tutor and Voice Coach at KDF Music Connections, LLC and joined the New Horizon Gospel Ministries band. In 2000, a man of many talents, Eddie accepted God's call to the ministry and became an ordained minister and licensed Local Preacher in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In 2006 he was appointed Pastor of Capital Heights C.M.E. Church. During his many years growing up in the C.M.E. church he proudly held the position of Minister of Music and Choir Director. He mastered many instruments to include clarinet, saxophone, flute, tuba, trombone, trumpet, violin, piano, bass, drums and many more. Needless to say "music" was a major part of his life, for which he graciously shared with the world. Eddie is survived by his father Carl Edward Parker I and his siblings: Valerie Parker-Leatherbury, Patricia Parker-Casey, and Timothy Parker I (wife Natasha Parker). He is also survived by his son, Carl Edward Parker III, his one and only niece Renee Parker-Abdullah, his nephews Alexander Parker, Timothy Parker II, Quentin Parker, Cornell Casey II, his great nephews Rasheed Abdullah, and Amir Abdullah. He was preceded in death by his beautiful mother Mary Elizabeth Bush? Parker, his older brother Daniel Bernard Parker, brother-in-law Samuel Eli Leatherbury, and nephew-in-law Raouf Bashir Abdullah and a very large Parker-Bush-Harper family of love! Also added to this family is his special friend/sister Rosalyn Hamilton, who always showed him love, care and appreciation until the very end of his earthly life. Eddie will truly be missed by his family, friends, and all of the many lives he touched through his ministry, music, and gentle spirit. His family will miss the pillar of strength that he represented and the way he always held his head high. A wake to honor Carl's life will be held on April 26, 2024 at the Pope Funeral Home Forestville Chapel from 6:00 - 8:00 pm allowing friends and family to pay their respects and bid farewell. Mr. Parker, II will be laid to rest on April 29, 2024, at Heritage Memorial Cemetery - 13472 Poplar Hill Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601 at 11:00 am On April 27, 2024, there will be a memorial service at New Horizon Gospel Ministries 8324 Woodyard Road Clinton, MD 20735 starting at 11:00 am

Carl E. Parker II

September 21, 1961 - April 10, 2024