Louis John Parkhurst of Leland, NC peacefully passed away on May 6, 2020.  John was born in Washington, D.C. on May 18, 1944, the son of Louis W. and Sophie K. Parkhurst.  Husband for over 50 years, to his wife Nancy.  Proud father of his cherished daughter and son, Andrea Marie Parkhurst (Leland, NC) and John Matthew Parkhurst (Ijamsville MD); beloved brother of June Parkhurst Genua (Robert L.) Sarasota, FL. 

John was raised in Washington, DC and graduated from St. John’s College High School in 1962.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Physiology from American University.  Upon graduation from WVU, he was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Army.  He was assigned to the Chemical Corps and stationed at Ft. Gordon GA, where he was an instructor and served as the Chief of the Chemical, Biological and Radiological Element. Upon completion of his military service, John began a career with the U.S. Federal Government as a research biologist at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, MD. He continued his career as a grants reviewer with the National Institutes of Health and then worked for 15 years at the Food and Drug Administration as a reviewer of investigational cardiac devices in the Office of Device Evaluation.  He retired with 34 years of U.S. Government service.

John and his wife resided in Frederick, MD for 37 years before moving to the Wilmington, NC area. In retirement, his high energy and focused intellectual curiosity continued in his approach to home projects, meeting challenges with thorough research.  John had a life-long passion and enthusiasm for cars. His most treasured car was his 1962 hunter green Corvette.

John was independent, forthright, sincere and loyal. He had life-long friendships from his elementary school years and developed new friendships after moving to the Wilmington area.   He was a member of the American Legion during his years in Frederick, MD and later in Wilmington, NC.

For John’s family and friends, he will forever be remembered and remain in our hearts. 

Interment with Military Honor Guard and Rite of Committal, Monday, July 27, 2020 at 11 a.m., Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.