Leon Alvin Parker III, was born April 15, 1950 to Catherine and Leon Parker Jr. in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on March 21, 2025 at Select Specialty Hospital-Richmond, in Richmond Virginia.

Leon grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and was the oldest of three siblings: brother, William Parker (Billy) and Catherine Proctor (Cathy). Leon affectionately known as "Bo, Bozy, or Lee", leaves behind a wife, Barbara  and son, Leon  as well as many cherished family members and friends. He graduated from Franklin High School in Reisterstown, Maryland, and received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Mathematics from Morgan State University (1974).

At Morgan, Leon pledged with fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., which is where he met his future wife of 51 years Barbara Wills, who pledged with sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Leon served in the United States Army for over 27 years as an Airborne Army Ranger, attaining the rank of Colonel. His successful leadership organizing and leading highly successful, technically skilled and operational teams earned him the respect of his country and piers. He was offered the rank of Brigadier (1 Star) General, but instead decided to retire in 2001 at U. S. Army Material Command, Alexandria, Virginia. His boundless accomplishments helped shape our military and are still implemented to this day.  One of his many accomplishments was to design the beret for the army uniform, which he holds in his hand. He was also a great role model and supported the ROTC program, providing mentorship and leadership to future U. S. Armed Forces officers.

Before fully retiring, he helped begin a privatized Logistics Company, LSG, where he built lifelong friendships and business success.

Leon enjoyed Reading, Sports (Baseball, Football, Track & Field, Wrestling), Outdoor Activities and was an avid Historical Collector (Sports History, American History etc.). He was also a big Baltimore Orioles and Ravens fan, and would watch the games religiously with family members such as his mom, or his father-in-law, either in person or over the phone.  Most of all, Leon enjoyed his family and friends.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, April 3, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Carl Blakes, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at 2:00 P.M. at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.