Thomas Kay Parks

1921 - 2021

Thomas Kay Parks
January 9, 1921 - November 28, 2021
Tacoma, Washington - Lifelong Tacoma resident, business owner, and beloved uncle and friend Thomas Kay Parks passed away on November 28, 2021 at his Tacoma residence. The youngest of three children born to Ival and Inabel Parks, Kay grew up on his family's farm near Steilacoom and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1939. While attending school, Kay apprenticed in the service department of a Tacoma automobile dealership, beginning his work in the auto repair industry.
After graduation, Kay worked full time for the dealership until 1942, when he enlisted in the United States Army to serve in World War II. Stationed in North Africa, France, and Germany, Kay served as a vehicle mechanic. Following the War's end, Kay returned to Tacoma, ready to own his own shop. In 1946, he opened Kay Parks Autobody Rebuild, working nights and weekends to build a successful business.
But his life was not all work. Kay loved to dance, and one evening, he met the beautiful Mary Ann Wilson. The couple dated for years before marrying in 1959. Mary Ann brightened Kay's life, and he often noted his only regret was not marrying her sooner. The couple enjoyed 50 wonderful years together. They loved ballroom dance and graced dance floors throughout the region, always drawing attention. They were equally happy boating the waters of Puget Sound. Kay joined the Tacoma Yacht Club in 1952 and remained a member for almost 70 years. Kay and Mary Ann spent as much time on their boat as possible, frequently joined by friends, family, and their Siamese cat. Kay was a regular and enthusiastic participant in the yacht club's Christmas and Daffodil Festival boat parades, decorating his boat with lavish displays.
In 1984, Kay and Mary Ann retired, selling their business to Dan and Sue Meyer. In the process, they gained family, developing a close and enduring bond with the Meyer family and sharing many cherished moments with them. After retiring, Kay found more time to pursue his interests, including gardening, Asian art, and Sumi brush painting. Kay and Mary Ann traveled the world, enjoying trips to China and Europe. Kay always enjoyed outings with friends, a good laugh, and a bit of teasing.
In 2010, Mary Ann passed away. In the last years of his life, Kay was blessed with the friendship of caring friends, including Dan and Sue Meyer, Pete and Cherie Hunt, Larry and Teresa Smith, Jan Lind, and Roy Brooks. Kay's family will always be grateful for their kindness. Kay was a gracious, kind, and humble man who was deeply loved and is greatly missed. He is survived by nieces Kristin Glenn (Mike), Emily Glenn, and Julie Rushing, nephews Mike Parks and Karl Prater, and many devoted friends. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Tacoma or the Tacoma branch of The Salvation Army. Kay will be laid to rest next to Mary Ann at Mountain View Funeral Home in a graveside service to be held Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 10:30 am.