Dr. William Lawrence "Larry" Parks

PARKS, DR. WILLIAM LAWRENCE "LARRY" - 85 of Knoxville, died Thursday, October 30th at his home after an extended illness. He was a native of Moore County, Tennessee; a professor for the Department of Plant and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee Knoxville for over 35 years, retiring in 1989. During his tenure, he supervised many graduate students and authored or co-authored over 170 publications. He was an active member of several civic organizations and in 1987 was named Optimist of the Year by the Optimist Club of Knoxville. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Knoxville. In his spare time he operated a small farm in Karns, Tennessee which he greatly enjoyed. Dr. Parks was also a veteran of World War II where he served as a B-24 pilot. He was the son of the late Samuel Willard and Katie Pauline Reed Parks. He was preceded in death by a sister, Robbie Ellen Parker. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Parks of Knoxville; three sons, Larry Parks of Jacksonville, Florida, John Parks of Knoxville, Michael L. Parks of Albuquerque, New Mexico; a daughter, Carol Byrd of Nashville; two brothers, Leon Parks of Columbia, Tennessee, Leonard Parks of Clemson, South Carolina and eight grandchildren. The family expresses appreciation to friends who have been supportive during the past few years. Memorials may be made to the scholarship funds at the University of Tennessee or Tennessee Tech. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday November 3rd at Hillcrest Funeral Home in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Rev. Ron DeWitt officiating. Burial will follow at Lynchburg Cemetery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Visitation will be on hour prior to service.