Richard 'Ric' Glenn Parks

Early on Wednesday, June 16th Rev. Richard (Ric) Glenn Parks (born Nov. 21st, 1955) in the most peaceful of ways stepped into heaven while surrounded by loved ones. Ric loved Jesus, his family, caring for others and working to make this world a little better one life at a time.

Growing up in Dalton Georgia where he attended Eastbrook High School he played in the marching band and developed his love for music. He obtained his nursing degree and moved to Dahlonega, Georgia where we worked in the ER at Lumpkin County Hospital. It was there that he met and fell in love with another nurse, Carol Garrett. Six weeks after meeting they were married on August 27, 1977. He faithfully and deeply loved her.

Ric and Carol started their marriage in Suches, Georgia and after relocating to Murrayville they started a family. He was the proud father of Jennifer Parks Page and Matthew Parks.

Ric continued his education at the University of Georgia where he earned his Pharmacy Degree. He was the proud owner of Ric Parks Pharmacy from 1992-2002. He loved serving his community and grew very fond of all of its residents.

During that time, he was ordained and served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Director of Missions and loved singing in the choir at Northlake Baptist Church. He oversaw the formation and operation of Global Projects as well as beginning a food ministry. The ministry began in his home garage and grew to be a food pantry that continues to meet the needs of the community today.

In 2002 Ric felt called to continue his education and deepen his faith through attending Columbia International University in Columbia South Carolina where he earned a Master’s degree in Biblical Teaching and a second Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling.

After completing Seminary Ric and Carol relocated to Jefferson Georgia where he continued to serve in the local church by teaching, singing and opening a church counseling service.

Ric loved to travel and explore.  He combined his love for travel with his love for people and serving. He went on multiple medical mission trips to Honduras, Nepal, Africa, Turkey, Eleuthera and India.

In 2010 Ric suddenly fell ill to Bronchiolitis Obliterans, a terminal lung disease only treatable via a double lung transplant. This began a long and hard health journey. Miraculously Ric was the recipient of 2 new lungs in 2012 and had a renewed lease on life. Over the past 9 years he was able to welcome and love deeply 5 grandsons. He was the best Papa, biggest fan, advocate and supporter of Gabriel Page, Garrett Page, Zion Parks, Indie Parks, and Griffin Page. As the side effects of his medicines from the transplant started to deteriorate his quality of life, he continued to find ways to serve those around him with joy. He never complained or gave up fighting for his health.

He served as a Voting Poll worker during the elections and actively advocated as a “Donate Life” promoter. After relocating to Gainesville Georgia in 2019 he served in the choir of New Holland Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his father Billy Parks, Father-in-law Monroe Garrett and Mother-in-law Lillian Garrett and a bonus step Mother-in-law Evelyn Garrett as well as his best friend Elwin Sheridan.

Married 44 years to best friend Carol and survived by his daughter and son in law Jennifer and Larry Page and Son and Daughter in law Matt and Pearl Parks. Mother Bonnie Parks, Sisters Cindy and Scotty Piotrowski, Connie and Ron Nicholson, Cathy and Billy Brooks, brother Rodney Parks and best friend Gail Sheridan.

Viewing will be held at Wards Funeral home Thursday, June 17th from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00pm.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Wards Funeral Home Chapel Friday, June 18th at 1:00 pm officiated by Rev. Matthew Parks and Rev. Tony Smith.

Ric will be laid to rest at his beloved childhood church Burnt Mountain in Jasper Ga.

In lieu of flowers please continue Ric’s legacy and heart of caring and serving the most vulnerable among us by supporting his children as they run the Chicago marathon this Fall in his honor. They are running to bring clean water to children around the world. $50 brings a child clean water for life. Join them at https://www.teamworldvision.org/participant/runforRic

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.wardsfh.com. Ward’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Richard “Ric” Glenn Parks.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gainesville. “A Family Funeral Home”