A joyful homecoming trip turned into tragedy for a Mansfield couple after a 74-year-old Army veteran was fatally shot at a Little Rock gas station on Thursday October 15.
James Parker and his wife Darlene had attended church at New Life Fellowship in Arlington just the night before their departure where Parker asked for traveling grace for the journey ahead according to Senior Pastor Maurice Pugh.
The couple was traveling to Pine Bluff Arkansas for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff homecoming celebration when Darlene realized she had forgotten a prescription at home. Her doctor called the medication into a Little Rock pharmacy and she went inside to retrieve it while James drove across the street to fuel up at a gas station on Colonel Glenn Road.
Police say gunfire broke out between two suspects at the station and Parker was caught in the crossfire. A second person was also killed and several others were injured in the shooting.
Darlene grew alarmed when James did not return and failed to answer his phone. She crossed the street toward the police presence and told officers she believed her husband may have been hurt. Officers later returned to Darlene with devastating news.
Two suspects have since been arrested in connection with the shooting. Kevontae Wilburn 19 faces a charge of capital murder while Braxton Flowers 25 faces charges of capital murder and first-degree murder.
Back in the DFW area Parker is being remembered as a selfless man who devoted his life to others. He worked to help fellow veterans secure the benefits they had earned and quietly served behind the scenes at New Life Fellowship ensuring Sunday services ran smoothly.
“He did not draw attention to himself. Everything he did was behind the scenes” Pastor Pugh said.
Darlene Parker who was married to James for 44 years is now leaning on the support of her church community as she processes the loss of her husband and best friend. Pugh said she told him that prayers are helping her hold on during an unimaginably difficult time.
Her message to those who knew James was simple and heartfelt. She told Pugh she wanted people to know that her husband would go out of his way to help anybody.
A memorial service for James Parker is scheduled for October 31 in Little Rock. A separate memorial will be held in the Dallas area at a date to be announced.