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
American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
National Kidney Foundation
Tommy always love family and traveling. One trip that he had growing up was taking a trip with his granddad to Alaska. He will always be remembered as a man who speaks word of encouragement.
You will be missed by everyone staff, family, friends and roommates. You were such a good person, so friendly and warm, a pleasure to interact with — everyone felt this. Your affairs are in great hands, your family is super supportive and loving - doing everything they can to honor you. For what's little its worth, I'm glad you were able to have a place to call home. I'm sorry we couldn't do more to protect you. RIP brother. You will be missed.
You will be missed by everyone staff, family, friends and roommates. You were such a good person, so friendly and warm, a pleasure to interact with — everyone felt this. Your affairs are in great hands, your family is super supportive and loving - doing everything they can to honor you. For what's little its worth, I'm glad you were able to have a place to call home. I'm sorry we couldn't do more to protect you. RIP brother. You will be missed.
You have my deepest sympathy my God continue to bless the family
Rest In Peace Man. My condolences to the family.
John Herrin
Janelle and family, sending our deepest condolences. Praying peace during this time of bereavement. May you smile and remember the great memories of Tommy. Chuck and Denitra Bynum
Janelle and family, you have our deepest condolences. Praying for comfort and peace during this time of bereavement. Cousins, Chuck and Denitra
Rest in peace cousin. Prayers to you and your family.
I send my sincere prayers if comfort and condolences to family of Mr. Parker 🕊. Especially to my friend Stanley Hughes. Keep your head up my friend. Dorita
The Leary family sends love and condolences during this time of grief to the Parker and Hughes families.
Mr. & Mrs. David Leary
I would say "rest"in heaven,but I know you gonna keep it moving Tommy,even up there!, you always had encouraging words for me to stay out of trouble, seemed like all our family events fell on a game day, we'd be in the Redskin room in the basement@ your house,real family! gonna miss you, till I'm up there with you...
Rest in peace big brother.
RIP big bro. Will always be my hero. Thanks for everything u done for me. You will truly be missed. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾
May you rest in eternal peace uncle Tommy! No more suffering. You will be missed. Your niece DeeDee
Uncle T going to miss you man, appreciate the memories we had together and shared you are at peace now no more suffering 🙏🏽💙🕊️
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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