WILMINGTON — Leon “Parker” Rooks, Sr., 91, of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024.
Parker, which he preferred to be called, was born January 5, 1933 at home in Rocky Point, NC to the late Minnie Rooks and Alphie Rooks also of Wilmington. He was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church for many years.
He survived by his loving wife Margaret and school sweetheart of 72 years. They had two sons, who he was most proud of, Leon R. Rooks, Jr. and his sweet wife Susan, of Castle Hayne and Wayne A. Rooks, Sr. and two grandchildren, Kelly Lynne and husband Sean Dyer and Wayne A. Rooks, Jr. Also, two great-grandchildren, Aubree and Abram.
Parker graduated in 1951 from New Hanover High School and went to carry on in his father’s grocery business in the years of 1947-1982. He took the store over as his father retired. He then attended Cape Fear College in a course to become a Certified Police Officer, which he did for 16 years at our local state port, and received a Certificate of Appreciation from Gov. Hunt, June 1, 1999.
In addition, Parker loved building furniture, such as bedroom sets, end tables, he also was a Commercial Fisherman, and loved to plant a garden each year.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Andrews Valley Chapel. The family will receive visitors one hour prior. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made to St. Mark Catholic Church.
