Rev. James Willis Parks

Rev. James Willis Parks, age 72, of Gillsville, Georgia, passed away Monday, October 13, 2014 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Gillsville Baptist Church with interment to follow in the Church Cemetery. The remains will lie in state from 1:30 to 2:00 pm at the church the day of the service. Reverend Phil Parks and Reverend Bradley Elliott will officiate. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at the funeral home.

Rev. Parks was born January 7, 1942 in Hall County, the son of the late Thomas Marion Parks and Jimmie Lou (Hulsey) Parks. He holds a theology degree from Florida Baptist Theological College, retiring from the ministry after serving for 45 years. He was also a retired poultry farmer. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nell Wheeler.
Rev. Parks is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Charlotte Rose (Poole) Parks of Gillsville; daughters and sons-in-law, Shelia and Michael Burruss of Gainesville; Kathy and Jeff Lee of Maysville; Theresa and Bill Smith of Cumming; and son, Tim Parks of Dunwoody; grandchildren, Stephanie Feaster and Sammy; Tyler and Courtney Lee; Brooke and Chaz Ardis; Jason Burruss, Justin and Brianna Burruss; great-grandchildren, Payton Ardis, Braylee Ardis, Hudsyn Lee; Omari, Peyton and Bryson Feaster; brothers, Raymond Parks, Doug Parks, Phil Parks and Hubert Parks; sisters, Marie Gardner and Elaine Reese and a number of other family and friends also survive.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200 or for those who desire online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.