Clifford Lee Parks

Mr. Clifford Lee Parks, age 96, of Dahlonega passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021. 

Mr. Parks was born in Lumpkin County on November 28, 1924 to the late Daniel Webster “Webb” and Fannie Mae Seabolt Parks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Reba Lorene Bryant Parks; son Donald Clifford Parks; siblings James Edward Parks, Thomas Ervin Parks, Leonard Jackson Parks, Nora Parks Sullens and Fred Parks.  

An “extraordinary life” might just be an understatement to describe Lee Parks. Commitment, dedication, and pride all start in the heart and find their way exhibited in our lives. For Lee, that display began on August 30, 1943 when he enlisted and entered the United States Navy in Jacksonville, Florida. He boarded one of the 10 Naval Vessels he would serve on during his first four years in the Navy during WWII. In May of 1946, Lee was honorably discharged and began his civilian life and would make a living as a brick mason. He was quick to learn, after many broken promises for a raise, that his heart was still beating to serve his country. On July 18, 1946 he enlisted in the United States Army in Fort Benning, Georgia. Lee served honorably for three years. On August 18, 1949, rather than returning home, he chose to reenlist in the United States Army at Fort Gordon. Lee’s love for country and service did not stop after his honorable discharge from the Army. Next he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, where he stood ready for the call to defend the single most precious thing we have as Americans, our freedom. Lee’s life in the military took him from the Northeast Georgia Mountains, across two oceans, through the Panama Canal three times, reaching to the Philippines, Japan, the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, and Russia. 

After his military career, Lee did return home to raise his family. He worked at City Ice in Gainesville before eventually taking a job with General Motors where he worked until he retired. Dahlonega was home for Lee, and he spent his days in retirement loving his family and being the one and only “Lee Parks” that everyone loved. A favorite pastime was getting a ride with his dear friend Dennis Grizzle to Danny’s Restaurant for breakfast every morning. Lee will be missed by his family and friends. 

Missing him most will be his beloved children Daniel Lee and Joann Parks, Cumming, Joyce Parks and Patrick Link, Gainesville, and step-daughter and step-son-in-law Arlean and Eugene Barrett, Dahlonega; sister Kathleen Parks Truelove, Murrayville; sisters-in-law Wanda Parks (Ervin), and Janet Parks (Leonard); his beloved grandchildren who called him “Daddy Parks” Jolie Parks Scordino, Matthew Patrick Link, April Danielle Parks Akin, and Heidi Parks Pritchett; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  

Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, February 12, 2021 at Bethlehem-Jones Chapel Family Cemetery with military honors. 

To share a memory of Mr. Parks or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com. 

In lieu of flowers, Lee requested donations be given to the White County Honor Guard, 15 Courthouse Square, Cleveland, GA 30528, to help honor his fellow military veterans. 

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Hwy 19 N, Dahlonega, GA 30533