Parker, Roy, Jr., 1930-2013

Joseph Roy Parker, Jr., was born in Ahoskie, N.C., the son of Joseph Roy Parker, Sr., journalist and professor of journalism at the University of North Carolina. In 1953, Parker began his career in journalism as editor of three family-owned weekly newspapers serving Hertford, Bertie, and Northampton counties, N.C. In 1957, after graduation from the University of North Carolina (A.B. Journalism, 1955), he became a political reporter for the News and Observer of Raleigh. From 1963 to 1971, Parker was the News and Observer 's Washington correspondent. Returning to Raleigh in 1971, Parker remained with the News and Observer until July 1972, when he left to work on the gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Hargrove (Skipper) Bowles. In 1973, after a short stint as associate editor of the Fayetteville Observer, Parker became the editor of the newly established Fayetteville Times.

Joseph Roy Parker, Jr., was born in Ahoskie, N.C., the son of Joseph Roy Parker, Sr., journalist and professor of journalism at the University of North Carolina. In 1953, Parker began his career in journalism as editor of three family-owned weekly newspapers serving Hertford, Bertie, and Northampton counties, N.C. In 1957, after graduation from the University of North Carolina (A.B. Journalism, 1955), he became a political reporter for the "News and Observer" of Raleigh.

From 1963 to 1971, Parker was the "News and Observer"'s Washington correspondent. Returning to Raleigh in 1971, Parker remained with the "News and Observer" until July 1972, when he left to work on the gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Hargrove (Skipper) Bowles. In 1973, after a short stint as associate editor of the "Fayetteville Observer," Parker became the editor of the newly established "Fayetteville Times."