A trip to Arkansas for a homecoming celebration turned tragic for a Mansfield couple.
James Parker was a husband, Army veteran and faithful member of his Arlington church.
He was shot and killed Thursday, Oct. 15 at a Little Rock gas station.
Parker and his wife Darlene were just at church the night before praying for protection on their trip, according to New Life Fellowship Senior Pastor Maurice Pugh.
“He asked for traveling grace as they were heading to Arkansas,” said Pugh.
The 74-year-old Army veteran was headed back to the state he loved for homecoming for his alma mater, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Pugh says Darlene forgot a prescription at home, so she had her doctor call one into a pharmacy in Little Rock.
She went into the pharmacy to pick up the medicine while James drove across the street to get gas at 6201 Colonel Glenn Road.
That’s when police say gunfire erupted between two suspects and Parker was caught in the middle.
“You wouldn’t think someone who’s peaceful, someone who tries to help, go out of their way to help people would actually be killed in that way, in that moment,” said Pugh.
Pugh says Darlene realized something was wrong when James didn’t return and wasn’t answering his phone. She crossed the street toward police vehicles and told officers she thought her husband might be injured, according to Pugh. He said Darlene gave police a description of James and a short time later, returned to Darlene who learned the worst had happened.
Back home, Parker is being remembered for a life of service. He helped fellow veterans get benefits they earned, and New Life Fellowship in Arlington, he served in the production ministry making sure Pastor Pugh had what he needed on Sunday mornings.
“He did not draw attention to himself. Everything he did was behind the scenes,” said Pugh. Pugh says he’s staying in touch with Darlene who told him prayers are helping her hold on.
“I asked, ‘What is it you would want me to tell them?’ She said, ‘I want you to tell them he would go out of his way to help anybody,’” said Pugh.
After 44 years of marriage, Darlene is now facing life without her best friend and partner after a trip they prayed over ended in heartbreak.
A second person was killed, and several others were injured in the shooting.
Kevontae Wilburn, 19, and Braxton Flowers, 25, have been arrested. Wilburn is charged with capital murder. Flowers is charged with capital murder and first-degree murder.
A memorial service for Parker will be held in Little Rock on Oct. 31. A memorial in Dallas will be held at a later date.
