Watus Hudson Parker

Watus Hudson Parker, 84, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was born on August 3, 1941, and passed peacefully at his home on March 10, 2026, surrounded by his daughters and granddaughters, whom he affectionately called his “roommates.”

Known to most as “Papa Watus,” he graduated from Massey Hill High School with the Class of 1959, where he played football and basketball, served as Class President, was voted Best Looking, and formed many lifelong friendships. After graduation, he married Carolyn Barrentine on June 2, 1962. He completed an apprenticeship at City Optical and became a North Carolina Board Certified Optician in March 1969. For more than fifty years, he served his community with dedication, fitting glasses, contacts, and artificial eyes, often making house calls in the evenings and on weekends.

Watus was saved in 1970 and remained a faithful member of the Cumberland Church of God for most of his adult life, where he taught Sunday School and continued learning. In March 2000, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Christian Life School of Theology. In his final four years, he worshipped at Praise Fellowship Church of God with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Watus Parker and Annie Hazel Wright Parker; his brother, Jetchel Craven (JC) Parker; his sister-in-law, Patricia Ann (Patsy) Stegall Parker; his nephew, Jetchel Craven (Jay Jay) Parker, Jr.; and his niece, Constance Ann (Connie) Parker Kearney.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Barrentine Parker; his three daughters, Angie Parker Jacobs (Phillip), Belinda (Kim) Parker Morrison (Brian), and Crissy Parker; his godson, Rev. Paul B. Keeter, Jr. (Lou and family); and his nine grandchildren, Amy Gardner and Jeb (Bradley, Mirielle, Cavalera, and Parker), Crystal Sousa (Kameron and Devon), Jennifer Downey and Michael (David, Riley, and Savannah), Chasity Christian and Wayne (Aubrie, Athia, Payton, and Waylon), Charity Clabo and Jessica (Charlotte, Jake, and Marvin), Kambrie Smith and Corey, Kelsie Gaddis (Louella), Joanna Bennett, and Joseph Chance Parker.

Papa Watus was a devoted Tar Heel fan who loved all sports, especially when his grandchildren were playing. He was known in his Camden Road neighborhood for shooting hoops in the driveway and was a natural comedian who delighted in “cutting up” with his children and grandchildren. He cherished gathering with family and friends to share stories of his high school days at Massey Hill, classic cars, and youthful adventures with friends like Phillip Coons, Earl Knowles, Stacy Carter, and many others. His life was a legacy built on love, and he will be deeply missed.