Michael Joseph Parks

1948 - 2025

Michael Joseph Parks, 76, peacefully entered eternal life May 1, 2025, on the Feast Day of St. Joseph the worker, after fighting Parkinson's, dementia and cancer. He fought a courageous battle for several years.

Mike was a lifelong Memphian born August 26, 1948, to Merrill Simpson Parks and Georgia Nell Phelan Parks. He graduated from CBHS, Memphis State, and the College of Law at Memphis State. Mike spent 38 years as an Assistant District Counsel with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in the Memphis district. Throughout his time there he provided invaluable legal opinions on a variety of important issues and was known by many for his quick wit and open-door policy. He was awarded the Bronze de Fleury Medal upon his retirement for the significant support he provided over his career to the Engineer Regiment.

He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Many describe him as a great storyteller with details that seem to put you in the center of the action. He also loved traveling. Whether it was on his yearly golf trips with the guys, the annual contracts course in DC for work, or all the exotic and beautiful places that he and Libby (and eventually Kathleen) got to experience, he was always down to trying something new. He absolutely loved to play golf, and you could often find him out on the course at the weekends if he wasn't coaching one of Kathleen's millions of games. His gentle soul never sought the limelight or unnecessary attention. He quietly helped and encouraged others, especially friends of Bill W. He shared his experiences, strengths, and hope with many seeking help.

He leaves his wife of 49 years Elizabeth (Libby) Keller Parks, His daughter Kathleen Parks Miller, son in law Dr. Ryan Miller, grandchildren, A J, Georgia, Chris, and Merrill Miller all from Mobile, AL, his sister Nancy Parks Kursonis (Kevin), Collierville, TN and multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Merrill S. Parks, Jr and his sister Patty Ann Parks all from Memphis.
Mike was a devout Catholic and worshiped Our Lord at St. Louis and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Churches.

Visitation will be Monday, May 5th 8:30-9:30 am in the Clunan center at St. Louis Church 203 S. White Station. There will be a rosary in the church at 9:30am, Mass at 10:00 am, with the reception to follow. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family respectively requests donations to be made in memory of Mike to St. Joseph Projects at St. Theresa Church 1644 Jackson 38107, St. Louis Church, Birthright of Memphis, or Memorial Masses for the repose of Mike's soul.