Bobby Joe Parks, Sr.

Bobby Joe Parks, Sr., age 81, of White House, Tennessee, passed peacefully at home on September 11, 2025. Born May 7, 1944, in Portland, Tennessee, Bobby lived a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and an unwavering love for his country.

A true patriot, Bobby proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. While serving in Vietnam, he was injured when his convoy struck a mine shaft, an event that forever marked his life with both sacrifice and honor. He attained the rank of Sergeant (T) and was honorably discharged, bearing witness to his courage and strength. Bobby was the recipient of many distinguished decorations, including the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, Expert (M-60 MG), Sharpshooter (M16 and M14), the Army Commendation Medal, and his greatest honor—the Purple Heart. He carried his service and his love for America with quiet pride for the rest of his days.

After his time in uniform, Bobby built a legacy of hard work and determination as a self-made businessman. In 1982, he founded Parks Pools Construction, serving families and communities with honesty and craftsmanship for decades before proudly passing the company to his son Allen in 2022.

Above all, Bobby was a family man. For 60 years, he was the devoted husband of his beloved wife, Joyce Marie Parks. Together, they raised their children and extended their love to countless brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends who always knew they had a place at Bobby’s table. He is survived by his son Allen (Cyndi) Parks; grandchildren Savannah (Zach) Morris, Austin Parks, Bailey (Kody) Ratcliff, Caleb Parks, and Emma Parks; and great-grandchildren Royce Morris, Raynen Morris, Maddie Ratcliff, and Waylon Ratcliff. He is also survived by his brother Billy Parks and sisters Betty Jones, Shirley (Wayne) Stephenson, and Mildred Abbott.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Jodie and Mary Anna Parks; his son, Bobby Parks, Jr.; and brothers William, Tommy, Larry, and Jimmy Parks.

Bobby’s quiet strength, simple wisdom, and Southern grace will be dearly missed. He loved all things American, Ford, and fast cars—especially his beloved 1963 Ford Falcon convertible, which will continue on with his son Allen.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 15, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Gardens. Visitation will take place from 12:00–2:00 p.m.with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m., officiated by his grandson-in-law, Pastor Zach Morris. Military burial will follow. Pallbearers will be his nephews Jeff Jones, Junior Jones, Joe Jones, Jody Parks, Donnie Wallace Jr., and William (Bubba) Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Orange Heart Medal Foundation, honoring the sacrifice of Vietnam veterans.

Bobby Joe Parks, Sr. lived a life that embodied loyalty, honor, and love. A soldier, a builder, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend—his memory will remain steadfast in the hearts of all who knew him.