Reverend Joseph Parker Mclendon

Parker McLendon has transitioned to his heavenly home, to the mansion waiting there for him.  He is rejoicing with his Savior and the family members and friends who went before him. He was born in Trenton, FL, to Sylvester and Mary Todd McLendon, who predeceased him.  He was predeceased by all of his siblings:  Margarette McLendon, Hilda M. Cardaci, Myrtle M. Martin, Ollna M. Paulk, Juanita M. Mitchell, Sylvester McLendon, Jr., John H. McLendon, Mary Frances M. Evans, and Madge M. Jones.  He was also predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Frances Boyett McLendon, his second wife, Joanne Wright McLendon, and his oldest daughter, Novella M. Tyler.

He is survived by his daughters Martha M. Hutchens (Terry) and Sheryl M. Mohn (Terry), his granddaughters Donna Hood and Cindy Pike (Rob), and five great grandchildren:  Zachary, Nathan and Ben Ziros and Joshua and Ella Pike, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Parker spent his life in service to God.  His actions were always guided by what he discerned was the right thing to do, seeking divine guidance and following where he felt led.   He cherished his family and was always there for whoever needed him, traveling as he was able to his extended family and being the calm anchor in every storm.

He obtained degrees from Stetson University, Southeastern Seminary and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.  His earlier career was as an ordained minister, serving as pastor in various churches in Florida and North Carolina.  His most recent pastorate was at First Baptist Church, Elkin, NC.  In 1970, he entered a new career as Superintendent of the Mills Home campus of the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, followed by serving as the first Executive Director of the North Carolina Child Care Association.  He served the larger community his entire life, being active at various times in the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, the volunteer Fire Department, volunteer Rescue Squad, the Boy Scouts of America, Meals on Wheels, the Guardian ad Litem program and Hospice of Davidson County.  He was instrumental in arranging the donation of the property which became the Woodfield Boy Scout Camp, Asheboro, NC, and the establishment of the Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation, where he served as the initial Chairman of the Board.  He was an active member of First Baptist Church, Lexington, NC, for over 30 years, serving as a Deacon and member of various committees and teaching Sunday School in the Lightbearers’ Class.

Parker was a perfectionist who approached everything he did with dedication, energy and a commitment to excellence.  He was extremely organized.  His personal standards and abilities set a very high bar for anyone who came after him, no matter the job.  Anyone who followed him as chairman of a committee had a complete record of what he did, even if it was difficult to determine exactly how he managed to do it so well.

The 12th chapter of Romans gives a good description of how Parker lived his life.  Especially verse 1:  “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”  And Verse 18: “ If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceable with all.”

The family would like to express its deepest gratitude for the excellent care the staff of Piedmont Crossing gave Parker.  The residents of Piedmont Crossing became his extended family, and he treasured all  of them.

His Celebration of Life will be Monday, June 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Unity Place, Piedmont Crossing, 100 Hedrick Drive, Thomasville, NC.  Visitation with the family will be after the service.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Piedmont Crossing, 100 Hedrick Drive, Thomasville, NC  27360, or the Novella M. Tyler Music Fund, First Baptist Church, PO Box 436, Lexington NC  27293.

From generation to generation, men have encouraged one another in their faith and have passed along this faith to their families and friends.  These men are not famous and not household names, but their love of Jesus is undeniable.  These are the everyday heroes of the faith—men of whom the Lord will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”  Parker was that kind of man.