Sydney Parker III was born in Cheverly, Maryland to newlyweds Sydney Parker Jr. and Doris Randall in June of 1963. Sadly, he was never granted the privilege of meeting his father in this life. Sydney’s deepest connections to him were a loving family seeking to keep his father’s memory alive and the strong name he would later pass to the next generation. He came to be affectionately known as Tommy, just as his father was.

Time as a child was spent in Alexandria, Virginia with his mother, younger brother Stanley, and Grandmother Sara Randall. Tommy and Timmy were a duo as kids. Where one was, you could often find the other. Mischief ensued, but fun was had by all. The boys especially enjoyed fishing, riding their skateboards, and bowling together in a community league. Ever the adventurous pair, Tommy and Timmy also participated in a local little league baseball team. In the early 70’s Calvin Murphy, a man they adoringly called Pops, joined their family and helped shape the men they would become.

Tommy was no stranger to hard work. As a young man, he spent some summers in the countryside of Virginia assisting his Great-Grandmother Susie Griffin and Uncle Jackson (Jack) Griffin. He worked on family farms in North Carolina as well. These sun filled days were a reprieve from city living and an excellent opportunity to connect with elders in his family.

He attended the famed T.C. Williams High School, now named Alexandria City High School. While there, he participated in both the varsity wrestling and the rowing team. Rowing crew provided an excellent opportunity to learn a new discipline, connect with nature, and share a passion with his best friend, Glen. It was in those pivotal and defining years that Tommy and Glen would find the truest and most enduring of friendships. Glen looked to Tommy for leadership as the rower occupying the ever-important stroke seat. That didn’t change even after their time as young men came to an end. To this day, Glen’s kind heart still holds respect and admiration for his dear friend. Tommy graduated in 1981 leaving T.C. behind but was sure to always remember the Titans.

He was married in August of 1986 and later had three children. To support his growing family, Tommy worked in several industries. It was in his work as a Hewlett-Packard printer technician where he found his most fulfilling professional path. The family settled in Woodbridge, Virginia where he would spend the majority of his adult life.

A fervent love of the Lord allowed Tommy to hold tight to his faith in Jesus despite his many health concerns. His soul was comforted by the Word of God and the many believers he encountered in his home church of Christ Chapel. Glen observes that even in suffering, he never once knew Tommy to question the existence and goodness of God.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; Sydney Parker Jr. and Calvin and Doris Murphy; grandparents Sydney and Daisy Parker and David and Sara Randall.

A host of devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends will dearly miss his jovial laugh and friendly nature.

Tommy’s memory will live on in his wife, Janelle Rose Parker; son Sydney Parker IV; daughters Nichelle (Scott) Steudle and Krystle Parker; grandson Lukas Steudle; beloved brother Stanley (Kelli) Hughes; and mother-in-law Naomi Rose.

Service will be held Saturday, February 08, 2025

Viewing: 09:30am Service: 10:30am

Christ Chapel Church 13909 Smoketown Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192

Burial immediately following service:

National Harmony Memorial Park 7101 Sheriff Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20785

**In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

American Heart Association

www.heart.org

American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org

National Kidney Foundation

www.kidney.org