Donald William Parks

Donald William Parks, a quiet, gentle man, went to live with Jesus and his beloved son, Patrick, Friday, March 5, 2021, following a period of declining health.

Donald was born September 30, 1934 to Velvia Cochran Parks and Cleatis Wesley Parks. He was the brother to Bobby Gene Parks and Kathryn Parks Wills.

In 1967 he married Nell Tanner Parks who was honored to be his wife for 53 years. In 1971 they were blessed with their only child, Patrick Donald Parks. 

Father and son treasured time spent fishing, hunting and the friendships they made.

Donald excelled as a basketball player at Sardis High School, Truett McConnell and Piedmont Colleges. Donald treasured the time spent as coach at Lumpkin county High School and Truett McConnell College. He attained a Master’s Degree in Counseling at the University of GA. which led to his career with the Division of Rehabilitation Services as counselor and eventually Director for the North 29 Counties. His time spent with Governor Nathan Deal sealed a friendship that has spanned several decades. Don was a member of the Lakewood Baptist Church and the Men’s Bible Class.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, son, Patrick Donald Parks, niece, Elizabeth Wills Dibble and sister in law, June Westmoreland Parks.

Donald is survived by his wife, Nell Tanner Parks, daughter in law, Luann Roper Parks, sister and brother in law Kathryn (Don) Wills, brother, Bobby Parks, special nephew, John D. Wills and nephew, Westley  (Laurie) Parks, and Westley’s children, Conner Parks, Caroline (John) Watts and Sarah (Chris) Price.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in Memorial Park Cemetery with Governor Nathan Deal, Dr. Brent Sharp officiating. Katie Deal will provide a musical selection. Visitation will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Parks beginning today and will continue for the next days, months and years.

In lieu of flowers please make donation in loving memory of Mr. Donald Parks to Randy and Friends, INC. P.O. Box 907532 Gainesville, GA 30501; Eagle Ranch 5500 Union Church Rd. Flowery Branch Ga 30542 and lastly The Good News Clinic 810 Pine Street, Gainesville, Ga 30501,

Ephesians 4:32  And be ye kind to one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com