Billy Ellis Parks

Billy Ellis Parks, age 83, passed away with his daughter by his side on August 13, 2025, in Pinole, California. Born on September 21, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to George and Ruby Parks and spent time growing up between Oklahoma and Arizona.

At age 17, Billy served in the U.S. Navy stationed in Alameda, California aboard the USS Ranger. His time in the service reflected his courage and commitment-qualities that would define much of his life.

In 1961 Billy married Mary Ellen with whom he shared 64 years of marriage with love and family devotion. Together they raised two children, Shawn and Sandra. He was also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Billy, Trevor, Carly and Shane, as well as an uncle to two nieces and four nephews.

Billy began his professional career as an auto mechanic with a four-year apprenticeship at Boas Pontiac in San Francisco. His dedication and skill led him to McNevin Cadillac in Berkeley, where he worked for two decades. Known for his mechanical expertise and work ethic, Billy took great pride in his craft and the relationships he built throughout his career.

Billy's passions extended far beyond the garage. He had a deep love for building classic cars and spent countless hours working on his prized 1923 Ford T-bucket Roadster. He enjoyed attending car shows and sharing stories with fellow enthusiasts...like the time he got up on 2 wheels while driving the Fire Chief up Betty Avenue in Pinole, just having a good time! Another hobby Billy loved was flying Ultra-Light airplanes alongside his best friend Lloyd Underhill-attending many air shows, a hobby that brought him great joy.

Throughout the years he also cherished trips to the Arizona desert making many memories with his family on the water with his beloved boat. Sandy remembers flying high above a desert lake on " Trike go-karts with wings" each driving their own, waving and laughing together with her dad high in the sky... And Shawn dodging a huge tortoise as his dad taught him to drive in a dried-up riverbed in Tuscon, so many laughs were shared. Above all else, Billy found purpose and fulfillment through serving Jehovah. A devoted member of the Pinole Congregation Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, his strong faith and loving fellowship was a guiding force throughout his adult life. Learning the truth alongside Mary Ellen, they had the wonderful joy of being baptized together in July of 1969 at Dodger Stadium.

At the age of 26, Billy faced serious complications from surgery that resulted in lifelong medical challenges. Despite these hardships, he remained inspirational to those around him through his unwavering strength and enduring sense of humor. His fun-loving spirit never waned; he met each day with courage and a smile.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, two children, four grandchildren, four nieces and nephews, brother-in-law Robert Marvin and aunt Fern Carroll. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Donald, Bruce, Raymond, Virgil and sister Linda.

Bill's legacy lives on through those who knew him-as a man of faith, quiet strength, laughter, and love. May his memory bring comfort to all who were touched by his remarkable life. A Memorial Service will be held on October 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 645 San Pablo Ave, Pinole CA