Dr. Peter Emens Parker

Peter Emens Parker, a beloved husband, father, and esteemed surgeon, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Born in 1934 in Buffalo, NY, Pete’s family relocated to Dayton, OH, when he was 12 years old, shaping the foundation of his upbringing.

From a young age, Pete displayed a natural talent for athletics, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. However, it was his passion for golf that remained a constant throughout his life. He honed his skills with guidance from Horton Smith, the inaugural winner of the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA.

Pete pursued his undergraduate education at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he met his first wife, Priscilla Meacham. They married after graduating in 1957, and he attended Ohio State University, where he completed medical school. As a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta, he maintained lifelong connections with his fraternity brothers.

Following his general surgery residency at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, where Kristin and Scott were born, Pete was drafted by the U.S. Military. Pete opted to join the U.S. Navy, and Pete and Priscilla moved to Charleston, SC, where Wendy was born. In August of 1967, the call of duty beckoned, and Pete answered by serving as a Chief of Surgery in the Vietnam Conflict. As a Lieutenant Commander, Pete was stationed in Phu Bai and led a team of surgeons as a part of the Third Medical Battalion, Third Marine Division. Between August 4, 1967, and July 30, 1968, Pete performed and oversaw more than 500 major surgeries. He undoubtedly saved many American Servicemen’s lives, but also the lives of many Vietnamese civilians. Pete’s acts of service and heroism during his time in Vietnam earned him a Bronze Star, and he was most proud of his time as a combat surgeon in the U.S. Navy and the USMC.

When his tour was completed, Pete decided to stay in the Navy reserves and relocated to the Navy base in Bremerton, Washington. Ultimately, Pete and Priscilla decided to move to Winston-Salem to set up his private practice in 1969 and raise their family. This is where Amy and Tom were born. He embraced the joys of family life and in March of 1977, he married Peggy Sanford, expanding the family to include Patrick, and his last child, Chris, was born in 1981. Each child went on to complete college and forge successful careers, a testament to Pete’s guidance and support.

While Pete was always a skilled golfer, his true prowess emerged in his mid-fifties. Thriving in high-pressure tournaments, he became a three-time club champion at Forsyth Country Club and secured a remarkable seven senior club championships at Old Town Club. Even in his 80s, Pete remained competitive on the golf course, achieving remarkable milestones such as 18 holes-in-one and a score of 68 on his 80th birthday. In 2003, he received a USGA medal for the lowest round to par during his qualification for the US Senior Amateur. His golf accomplishments were numerous, including participation in the British Senior Amateur and being named first alternate for the US Senior Open at Baltusrol in 1998.

Beyond his golfing accomplishments, Pete was a pillar of the medical community in Winston-Salem for five decades. As an attending surgeon at Wake Forest's Bowman Gray School of Medicine, he trained and inspired countless successful surgeons in various specialties, leaving an indelible mark on the field of medicine in North Carolina and the Southeast.

It’s also important to mention a few other passions that Pete was known for: his love of dogs, especially the last two he had, sister German Shepherds, Birdie and Bogey. His love of reading - fiction and American and World history -he would average about one book a week, and in his later years, his love of bird watching from his porch - crows and cardinals alike.

Peter E. Parker lived a life filled with purpose, and he left a special and lasting impact on the lives of thousands of people. He will be remembered as a compassionate surgeon, skilled golfer, loyal friend, and, above all, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Madeline Parker; his older sister, Kay Parker Jex; and brothers-in-law, Jay Jex and his brother-in-law Paul Miller.

Pete is survived by his children, Kristin (Jeff) Harrod, and their children, Sarah and James Harrod; Scott Parker and his children, Emily and Olivia Parker; Wendy (Neil Cornatzer) Parker, and their children, Quinn and Max Cornatzer; Amy (George) Sparks, and their children, Peter and Will Sparks; Tom (Stephanie) Parker, and their children, Lucy Lee, Thomas, and Jake Parker; and Chris (Riley) Parker, and their children, Mary Emens, Weller, and Mac Parker; his stepson, Patrick Stacey; his sister, Ann Parker Miller; and his former wives, Priscilla Parker Anderson and Peggy Sanford Parker.

Pete’s final gesture was to ensure that his pacemaker was donated to a veterinarian. While used pacemakers cannot be given to another person, dogs with life-threatening cardiac problems can have them implanted, giving them more years of love with their families.

A private memorial service will be held to celebrate Pete’s life. As a Bronze Star recipient, he will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Tee of the Triad, PO Box 236, Clemmons, NC 27012, and Freedom German Shepherd Rescue, PO Box 624, La Grange, NC 28551.