Robert Bernay Parks

Robert Bernay Parks passed away on September 30, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 83. He was born on September 12, 1941, in Hico, Texas, to J.T., Jr. and Mary (Bullard) Parks. From a young age, he loved participating in sports, including playing little league baseball, running track, and playing football. He learned the importance of hard work early on by working on a dairy and in the cotton fields. Robert graduated from Cleburne High School in 1960 as a football standout and attended college to study education. During college and beyond, he drove a truck for Central Freight during the summer months for eleven years. He received his bachelor's degree from North Texas State University and his master's degree in educational administration from Tarleton State University.
In 1965, Robert began a decades-long career in education. He taught school and coached six-man football at Liberty Chapel and later coached virtually every boys' sport in Rio Vista. While in Rio Vista, Robert met his love, Janis Winfield, whom he affectionately called "Jan." They married on February 19, 1977. Together, they raised two children, Clint and Molly. At age 35, Robert accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and made a public profession of faith at First Baptist Church in Rio Vista and was baptized by Pastor Gil Lane. Robert continued his career in education by serving as high school principal in Plains and Lampasas, superintendent in White Deer, and assistant superintendent in Liberty Hill. He always enjoyed watching the sporting events, band performances, and one-act play competitions. Throughout his career, he oversaw the building of new school facilities on multiple occasions and witnessed his schools achieve several state championships. Robert retired in 2015 after fifty years in the school business.
Robert loved music, with gospel and country and western being his favorites. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing and was always teaching himself to play other instruments including the piano, harmonica, accordion, autoharp, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle. He encouraged his children to make music as well. He taught Clint to play the guitar, and together they enjoyed performing at local pickin' and grinnin' sessions. He faithfully drove Molly to her piano lessons twice a week that were forty-five minutes away. Thanksgivings spent at his mother's house in Cleburne were particularly special. After lunch, the family would sit around and tell old stories, and then Robert would lead the sing-a-longs, with his mother, brothers, and extended family taking part. He had a heart of service and was heavily involved in the churches he attended. Over the years, he taught Sunday school classes, served as an usher, assisted with the youth group, and played music for vacation Bible school. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Lampasas and a deacon and elder at Fellowship Baptist Church in Liberty Hill. Robert regularly played the guitar and sang at church, often with Janis singing alongside him.
After retirement, Robert and Janis moved to Whitney, where Robert continued playing music and serving in church. He also enjoyed golfing, riding around in his pickup truck or golf cart, attending men's breakfasts, and spending time with his family. He was well-known for his practical advice, which always centered around working hard and making good decisions.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Jackie and Bill. He is survived by his wife, Janis of Dallas; children Clint Parks of Round Rock, and Molly Ward and husband Aaron of Dallas; grandchildren Karen and Travis Parks of Brownwood, and Owen, Austin, and Jillian Ward of Dallas; great grandchildren RhyLynn and Maeleigh Jo; and many other loving family members.
Celebration of Life will be 11:00 am Friday, October 4, 2024, at Cedar Creek Baptist Chruch 5643 FM 933 Whitney, Texas 76692 with Pastor Ricky Gobert officiating. Graveside service will be 2:00 pm at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blooming Grove, Texas. Pallbearers will be Clint Parks, Owen Ward, Aaron Ward, Andy Pogue, Rob Beasley and Ted O'Neil.