Riddick Parker died suddenly on August 19, 2022, while bicycling. He was 49.
His death was announced by Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras on August 19 on Twitter.
“I’m absolutely devastated to share that Riddick Parker, Principal of George Wythe HS, has passed away.”
“Mr. Parker gave his FULL heart and soul to the students of Wythe and will be dearly missed,” he tweeted.
Riddick Thurston Parker Jr. was an American former professional football player and an educational leader with more than 15 years of administrative experience in urban education.
Born November 20, 1972 in Emporia, Virginia, Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in History and Communications from the University of North Carolina in 1995.
He then received a Masters of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University, and a Graduate Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University.
Between August 1995 and February 2004, he played as a defensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.
Riddick Parker served as the principal of George Wythe High School in Richmond, Virginia from July 2021 until he died in August 2022.
Prior to being appointed as the principal of George Wythe High School,
Parker served as an assistant principal at Armstrong High School where he played an integral role in supporting the school’s increased graduation and attendance rates.
Previously Parker served as an education consultant for Baltimore City Public Schools where he guided the development of innovative literacy and graduation pathway programs.
He also served as Director for Youth Ambassador Leadership Academy LLC from September 2007 to June 2016.