Sapphire - Farrell Parker was born September 8,1952 in Sylva, NC. His parents were Elbert and Latrelle Merck Parker. He passed from this life to his next life August 21, 2023, at Four Seasons Elizabeth House, in Henderson County, NC.

The youngest of 8 children, he grew up in the Rhodes Cove Community of Sylva and had many good memories of that community and all his friends and neighbors.

Even though Alzheimer's had affected his mind he could still name who lived in each house and what his connections were to the people who lived there.

He attended Jackson County Public Schools and graduated from Sylva Webster High School in 1970 and from Southwestern Community College in 1972.

His first job was at Harold's Supermarket bagging groceries then as a butcher at the F & P. He moved to Transylvania County in 1974 when he got a job at the DuPont plant in Cedar Mountain. He worked there for 27 years, primarily in the Coating Department, where he made many friends, had a lot of fun and was respected for his work ethics. After the plant closed, he worked for 8 years at MB Industries in Rosman.

Farrell met Mabel Chapman at the Dupont plant. They got to know each other when they were assigned to the same job. They were married in Jackson, Wyoming while on vacation there. For many years they did almost everything together, whether it was working, camping, hiking, traveling "out west" or just hanging out together always planning their next adventure. As age and health began to change a daily trip to town for lunch and some time on the walking trail became the normal. Farrell also enjoyed his time at the Chapman house with brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law (by law) but brothers and sisters at heart. He cherished the memory of his "little buddy" Sophie hugging him and sitting on his lap.

Here is a verse from a song that Farrell liked. "Go on now don't you worry about me. You've miles to go and a world to see. My life's been long and full and good. I've run this race the best I could."

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by 2 sisters, Carolyn McCoy and her husband Padgett, Margaret Johnson and her husband Jim. 3 brothers, Doug and his wife Lois, Kenneth, Howard and sister-in-law Tootsie Parker.

He is survived by his wife Mabel, sister Glynda Chambers and her husband Charles, brother Jerry and sister-in-law Verna Parker. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and the Chapman family.

Mabel and Glynda would like to say thank you to all family members for your love and support and to everyone at the Elizabeth House who cared for Farrell and treated him with respect and compassion.

Children were dear to Farrell's heart. In lieu of flowers if you could help a child in need or make a donation to any organization involved in helping children in need Farrell would like that.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.