William David Parks Jr.

William David Parks, Jr. was born Oct. 21,1935 in Chickasha, OK to William David Parks, Sr. and Leota (Moody) Parks and passed from this life Oct. 2, 2024, in Norman, OK after a 3-year battle with the effects of colon cancer.
William, known as "Bill" and "Papaw" spent his career in the food industry in OKC. Working for L.D. Jones Food Co., Parks Brokerage and Deli Delites Distributing. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Billie Parks, Hazel Tucker, Betty Maher, and Mary Meyers; four brothers, Lewis Meyer, Red Smith, Leo Smith and James Smith. Also, one daughter Jeri Schimmels, and two granddaughters, Kristi Parks and Ericka Brawner; one great-granddaughter, Kalynn Prestridge; and one son-in-law, Jerry Waltrip.
He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Diane and five children: David Parks and wife Lori, Sharla Waltrip, Michael Parks and wife Billie, Eva Summers, Toni Summers; thirteen grandchildren: Grant Parks and wife Kristy, Derek Parks and fiancée Laura Castellonos, Shannon Spencer, Jennifer McCammond, William Parks and wife Laura, Kellie Parks, Caleb Fannon, Jerrod Summers and wife Jeana, Shelby Summers, Nicole Thomas and Evan Dawson, Suni Crowell and husband William, Kyle Summers and fiancée Ashley Hale, and Sydney Summers; thirty great-grandchildren: Meggan Mott, Karlie Parks, Karson Parks, Khloe Parks, Blain Parks, T.J. Parks, Gabby Castellanos, Connor McCammond, Abigail McCammond, Christina Medina and husband Vicente, Jason Brawner, William Aiden Parks, Alexander Parks, Zhiane Fannon-Dempsey, Nathan Fannon, Art Summers, Thaid Summers, Dex Summers, Abrie Shelly, Canton Rolan, Rori Williams, Noah Thomas, Amelia Thomas, Brooklyn Dawson, Shawn Summers, Jaydon Patterson, Gavin Auld, Jolie Crowell, Liam Crowell, Braylee Crowell, and Scout King.
In life, Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed golf, tennis, volleyball. He was also an enthusiastic Sooner fan holding season tickets for both football and basketball. He and his wife, Diane, traveled the world 'round making friends as they went, some they visited and re-visited over the years.
To name a few of their destinations.Australia, China, Russia, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Spain, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Turkey, Greece, New Zealand, Tasmania..and MORE.always MORE!
At home, any and every holiday, birthday, anniversary, wedding or any other reason for celebration found Bill and Diane hosting 20-30-40 or 50 family members with friends and neighbors always invited to join in! Fiercely competitive volleyball tournaments were a regular and greatly enjoyed activity at these gatherings. Having a place on the court was a rite of passage with younger players having to be 12 to join in. The pride on their faces when they were old enough to be included was a joy for all. Volleyball was serious business at the Parks' house.
For every event, each family would bring their own signature dish. Diane prepared copious amounts of food with Bill at the grill.
They built a house in the middle of an empty field in Goldsby back in 1975 and over the next 49 years turned that house into a home. A beautiful home. A welcoming home. With Diane's green thumb in the garden and flower beds and Bill's ability with tools and mowers their home blossomed into a "home-base" for all family and friends during good times and bad times.
He will be missed by all, but he lives on in the hearts of any and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Services will be held at the Goldsby Church in Goldsby, OK at 12 (noon) on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. A viewing time will be held at John Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel at 120 S. Broadway, Moore, OK from 2 -6 pm on Sunday Oct. 6, 2024. Interment will be at Washington Cemetery immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Samaritan Purse or your favorite charity.
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