Mr. Wonder King Parker

Wonder King Parker was born on November 6, 1946, to the Late William Parker and Omega A. Gardner Parker in Albany, New York. He was the fifth of six children born to this union. He passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, after a short hospital stay, surrounded by family and friends. Wonder K. grew up in a Christian home and early in life joined Sojourner of Truth AME Zion Church with some childhood friends and after which on occasion attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church and Metropolitan Baptist Church with his family. Wonder graduated from the Albany Public School system and followed in the footsteps of his eldest brother, Billy. The initial intent was to go to Texas for basic training in 1963. Sadly, it was the same day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, therefore, his enlistment date was postponed, and he entered in the United State Air Force shortly thereafter. After military service, he returned to Albany and followed in his father’s footsteps and was employed by Alleghany Ludlum Steel as a machinist until retirement.

Wonder enjoyed softball; he loved to cook, fish and was extremely gregarious and gifted in mechanical and technical skills – if it were broken; he could fix it – he had a fascination with tools; if there was a tool on the market, it was in his toolbox. FYI: you better had not called when General Hospital was on. He had several nicknames, his Aunt Daisy called him “Gap” but the one that stuck was “Gadget Man” which his younger sister, Janice, named him. He was truly a Momma’s Boy. He shared almost every detail of his life with his mother and perhaps some details he should have kept to himself. However, when they both needed support, he moved back home and was her daily companion while needing medical attention himself.

He was predeceased by his father, William Parker; mother, Omega A. Gardner Parker; his sister, Geraldine Parker-Stewart, and Sisters-in-Law Mary S. Parker and Angeline Parker. Wonder K. Parker leaves in service to cherish his memory daughter, Desiree McCormack (Eddie Thomas); Grandchildren Ronnie Thorton, Jonathan Thorton, Jeremiah Wonder Thorton, Thaddea Williams of Winter Garden, Florida and others; three brothers: Retired Master Sargent William A. Parker (Betty) of Henrietta, New York, Walter E. Parker, Russell J. Parker and one sister, Dr. Janice M. Parker of Albany, New York; Nieces M. Nikki Jones, Deborah L. Parker, Kimberley A. Parker, Courtney L. Jones, Cicely Parker- Holmes; Nephews Rodney E. Parker, Kelly Parker, Kevin Parker; Aunt Daisy Lewis of Albany; and still to treasure his memory are a host of great nieces , great nephews, and cousins in Albany, New York City and Jacksonville, Florida.

Many people have been supportive. Notes of special attentiveness, nutritional support: Mrs. Shirley Wimbush and

Deaconess Estella Carr; transportation, Deacon James Carr; petitioning the Lord without ceasing, Christine Page-

Williams, Director of Christian Education emeritus of Metropolitan; beyond dedicated friends, Chris Mayone and

Bianca Hinds; doctors, nurses, and staff at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. Not forgotten are the myriad of

people who have supported, assisted and cared for King in any way.

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