Nelson I. Parker

NELSON IDEL PARKER, also known as "Pre" by family and friends, was born to the late James and Lucy Parker on October 9, 1932 in North Carolina.He was the second of seven children. Nelson peacefully departed this life on June 7, 2019.

Nelson was educated in the Baltimore Public School System. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1957. He continued his education at Morgan State University where he received his bachelor's degree.

Nelson worked for the Housing Department for the City of Wilmington Delaware for over 18 years. He would come home (Baltimore) every weekend to spend time with his family. After retiring from the City of Wilmington, Nelson moved back to Baltimore and joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church where he became a devoted member. Nelson enjoyed singing in the choir and fellow shipping with the Men of Valor.

In 1955, Nelson was a halfback on the Original Baltimore Ramblers Football Team, later known as the Baltimore Rams Semi-Pro Football Team. Nelson (#20), played an important part on many championship teams. In 1964, after retiring from the Rams, Nelson maintained many support functions for the team. In 1981, Nelson was instrumental in forming the Baltimore Rams Alumni. As leader, Nelson spearheaded our community projects, plays/shopping trips to New York, dances, picnics and outreach projects. For over 60 years Nelson did whatever was necessary to keep the name of the Baltimore Rams alive and active in Baltimore City.

Nelson was a kind, gentle, thoughtful and loving family man. He was crazy about his son and grandson; and cherished his nieces and nephews. Nelson looked forward to the annual Bridges and Parker Family Reunion in North Carolina. In addition to his love for football, Nelson was an avid reader. Anytime you saw him he had a book or papers in his hand. In his free time, you could always find him in the library.

Nelson leaves to cherish his memories to his son, Carlton "Butch" Means; grandson, Carlton "Bear" Means Jr.; three great-grandchildren, Dasia, Caron and Carlie Means; brother Joseph Parker; special friends, Evelyn Parker and Eleanor Risher; close cousin, Bobby Parker; teammates from the Baltimore Rams and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

In addition to his parents, nelson was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer and Danny Parker; and three sisters, Mary, Thelma and Vanessa. 

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