Leonard Alden Parker

Dr. Leonard Alden Parker Jr. (Al) died in his Chapel Hill home on June 11, 2025.

Al was born to Naomi and Leonard Parker on September 26, 1944, in Lumberton, NC.

Because his father was a career naval officer, Al's childhood was spent traveling with his parents, including time in London. When his family returned to the states, Al attended high school in Philadelphia.

Following graduating with honors from the US Naval Academy in 1966, he enrolled in Nuclear Submarine School in New London, CT and spent the next several years serving the Navy on submarine tours. Because his submarine missions were secret, his family rarely knew where he was working.

After leaving active service in the Navy, Al entered the naval reserve and retired from the reserve as a captain, the same rank his father held. He entered the School of Medicine at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1980. He completed his radiology residency and imaging fellowship at UNC and joined the faculty in the Department of Radiology. He served on the faculty for over 30 years as a cardiopulmonary radiologist, member of multiple departmental and medical school committees, and dedicated educator of medical students and radiology residents before retiring in 2015.

Dr. Parker was a true scholar and an avid reader. Although his reading interests were wide and deep, he was particularly interested in World War II history. He was an excellent cook and especially liked preparing Indian cuisine. He enjoyed his time at his house at Atlantic Beach, sudoku, strong coffee and 60s beach music.

Labor Day weekends were special for Al and his family. The family gathered annually at Oak Island, and he said that this time together was the highlight of his year. He is survived by a host of cousins, many of whom he regarded as "siblings," and by nieces and nephews and close friends.

His family extends deep gratitude to his lifelong friends Carol Pearce, who cared for and supported him with dignity and kindness, and Annie Stevenot, a dear friend to Al since their high school days in Philadelphia. His family is also very grateful for Joy and Jordan Renner for their support during tough times.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a later date.