LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Family and friends are preparing to say goodbye to James Parker, 74, who was shot and killed Thursday while waiting for gas at the Circle K on South University Avenue.
Parker, a University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff alumnus, was visiting Little Rock for homecoming weekend. His wife of 44 years, Darlene Parker, is now left planning his funeral. Dr. Maurice Pugh, pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Arlington, Texas, said he last saw the couple at Bible study the night before the shooting.
“No one expects that when a loved one gets out of the car, it could be the last time they see them alive. That’s what happened for her,” Pugh said.
Pastor Pugh tells Channel 7 he just saw the couple at Bible study on Wednesday night, the day before James Parker was shot and killed.
He was just in Bible study on Wednesday, asking for travel prayers as he headed to Little Rock,” Pugh said. “So many of us are stunned.”
The Parkers were in Little Rock before heading to Pine Bluff for UAPB homecoming. James dropped off Darlene to pick up a prescription, then crossed the street to get gas. When he stopped answering his phone, Darlene went outside and saw the gas station was surrounded by police.
“I’ve known him 46 years. We’ve been married 44 years. He was my partner and my best friend. I don’t know what life will be like without him, but prayers are keeping me together,” Darlene Parker said, as shared by Pugh.
Pastor Pugh said James Parker quickly became a respected mentor at New Life Fellowship Church, admired for his wisdom, faith, and kindness.
“He made a strong impact in just a year and a half with us. Many looked up to him as a father figure,” Pugh said.