Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Parker, Thomas Brayton July 1 2004
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K Taylor bluewolf@onemain.com July 3, 2004, 4:15 pm

The Bakersfield Californian 
Thomas Brayton Parker
December 30, 1981 July 1, 2004

Thomas Brayton Parker, 22, of Concord, North Carolina, died July 1, 2004, at 
his residence. Graveside service will be held on Monday, July 5, at 10:00 
a.m., at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery, Gold Hill Rd., Concord, NC. 

Thomas was born on December 30, 1981 in Honolulu, HI, to Timothy J. Parker and 
Paula J. Mande. He grew up in Bakersfield, CA attending Bakersfield High 
School, Class of 2000. Toms first love was music, particularly the Driller 
Marching Band where he played lower brass instruments. Tom enjoyed computers, 
designing webpages, interactive role-playing games and writing music. After 
graduation, Tom dedicated himself to serving clients at the Centre for Neuro 
Skills in Bakersfield, CA for two years where he earned Employee of the Month. 
Tom was appreciated for his willingness to travel, accompanying clients to 
their family homes by train and plane. Tom loved the ocean and ships. He 
joined the U.S. Navy in April 2002. Tom succesfully completed boot camp, then 
went to Goose Creek, SC where he struggled for several months at the Navy 
Nuclear Power Training Command. Upon his discharge, he relocated to Mt. 
Pleasant, NC to join his father where he worked at Carebridge Assisted Living 
Center until February 2003 when he was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer.

In spite of the overwhelming challenges of his illness, Tom attended Rowan 
Cabarrus Community College in Concord, NC and earned high marks in psychology. 
Toms deep intellect, frank introspection, quick wit, profound love and 
understanding inspired everyone who knew him. And those who witnessed his 
incredible journey were awestruck by his remarkable courage and determination 
to live his life to the fullest in spite of relentless physical challenges.

The measure of a man is how you love and are loved. Tom stands among the 
giants.

Tom is survived by his mother, Paula J. Mande, Concord, NC; father, Timothy J. 
Parker, Mt. Pleasant, NC; sister, Evelyn Muzio and husband, Micah, 
Bakersfield, CA and sister, Kaitlyn Parker, Mt. Pleasant, NC; grandparents, 
Don and Joyce Enebo, Kernville, CA; Ron Mande, Phoenix, AZ; Wilson and Alice 
Parker, Syracuse, NY; beloved cousin, Ben Wilbur of Tampa, FL; and numerous 
other relatives and friends who gave Tom tremendous love and support.

Toms family wishes to thank the staff of Northeast Medical Center, Dr. David 
Turner, RN Kari Simpson, Moose Pharmacy, Community Free Clinic, Pathways Home 
Care, Hospice of Cabarrus County and Cabarrus County Dept. of Social Services 
for their wonderful compassion and services to Toms needs. Special thanks to 
Michael Overcash for his excellent and caring assistance. Deepest gratitude to 
Clear Channel Radio Charlotte and the John Boy and Billy Radio Network for 
their generous support. The family will continue to honor Toms memory with the 
2nd Annual Tom Parker Ride for Life in September 04. In lieu of flowers, 
memorials may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, P.O. Box 1235 Concord, NC 
28026.

Wilkinson Funeral Home

(704) 786-3168 


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased.

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