Rest in Peace, Grandpa.

My family is mourning the loss of our patriarch today. My grandfather, Charlie W. Parker Sr. was and is the best of us. A man that always stood up on his own two feet, who struck out on a path that few would tread and built a strong and honorable family around him. He was the guy that all eyes went to when he entered a room – equal parts charm, machismo, and intimidating swagger with a mind that was sharp as a razor. People called him "Chocolate Chip," and though the name was accurate (he was a pretty sweet guy) it belied the solid, unshakeable character at his core. He and my grandmother raised my father, uncles, and aunt. They, in turn, raised me, my siblings, and cousins. In that way, he lives in all of us forever. ‪#‎lovewillsustainus‬ ‪#‎loveyoufamily‬‪#‎PARKERTRIBE‬