Wilbur Thornton Parker, Sr.

On Monday morning, August 8, 2022, Wilbur Thornton Parker, Sr., 85, of Nathalie, VA, passed away. Born in Campbell County on September 21, 1936, he was a son of the late Matilda Francis “Fanny” Callahan and Edward Noel Parker.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Noel Thomas Parker and William Carol Parker; his sister, Ruth Parker Davidson; the mother of his children, Juanita Williams Parker; and a stepson, Danny Bortzer.
Wilbur’s family moved several times as he was growing up - from Campbell County to Pittsylvania County to raise tobacco, then to New London and finally back to Campbell County when his father started driving a truck to support his family.
At the age of 17, Wilbur followed in his father’s footsteps and started working for Brooks Transportation as a truck driver. Brooks later became Hemingway. After Hemingway closed Wilbur drove for quite a few companies over the years, the last one being Foster Fuels. He proudly served his country as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, serving with honor and distinction. He was a very hard-working man.
In his spare time, he enjoyed the “Blue Ridge REACT” CB Radio Club, riding motorcycles, and fishing. He retired from professional truck driving at the age of 75. Wilbur lived the last 29 years on his 25-acre farm in Nathalie where he was a great friend to all his neighbors. Their animals grazed on his land, and they all helped each other out whenever anybody needed help.
Wilbur’s family- his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the most important things in his life. He loved the gatherings for cookouts and huge holiday get-together. Everyone called him “Pop” and he was very much loved and will be greatly missed by all.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Sandra Parker; sons, Raymond (Lisa) Parker, W.T. Parker, Jr., and Thomas Carl (Anna) Parker; his stepsons, Chris (Kelly) Bortzer and Michael Bortzer; 11 grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; his sister, June Colbert; brother-in-law, Les Davidson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other relatives.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, August 12, 2022, at Robinson Funeral Home with the Rev. Tom Walker and Rev. Dr. Kevin Garber officiating. Burial will follow in Amherst Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home on Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 7:00- 8:30 p.m.
Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com