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BORN
1933
DIED
2022
Gerald Parks Obituary
Gerald Eugene Parks
1933-2022
Granddaughters. Jerry was born on August 8th, 1933 in Ohio to his Mom Edith Parks, and from a very young age he was also raised by his Dad Delmar Parks. Jerry grew up on a farm milking cows, taking care of his horses, and eating his mom's delicious homemade food. Many of his wonderful stories were about the farm and the food. As a teenager, Jerry met his Wife Patricia (Patty) Parks and they had three children - Dale, Brenda and Tracy. In 1966 Jerry and his family moved to Ukiah, California. In 1978 Jerry and his family unfortunately ended up in Guyana, South America and were held hostage in Jonestown for 8 months, which is where his wife Patricia lost her life. Jerry was a true hero for standing up to Jim Jones and demanding his and his families freedom. Jerry and his children came back to Ukiah and he got a job as a produce manager at Safeway where he eventually retired from. During retirement Jerry devoted his life to his family. He helped raise his two granddaughters and his life was filled with so much love when he became a great-grandpa to six girls. His family was his everything and he made sure to always put them first. Jerry loved wood-working, playing the piano, riding his bicycle and watching old shows/movies on TV Land. Jerry was reunited in heaven with his wife Patty Parks, Mom Edith Parks, Dad Delmar Parks, daughter Brenda Parks, grandson Jay Warren Parks, niece Dena Parks and his grandparents. Jerry is survived by his son Dale Parks, daughter Tracy Diaz, granddaughters Ashley (Arreguin) Flores and Alicia Arreguin, great-granddaughters Aalahnii, Harmony, Lily, Gigi, Jazi and Camilla as well as several other family members and friends who adored him. He will be missed more than words can describe. Please contact Tracy at 707-671-3998 for details on his celebration of life.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Parks
Sponsored by UkiahDailyJournal.com.
Sean Dallas
March 31, 2025
What a hero this man was. God bless him and his family. Rest in peace Gerald
Cherie Sheraque
October 24, 2023
I´m so sorry to hear about Gerry´s passing. I´ve thought about him over the years on occasion, as he shared his experience in Guyana with me one day while at work. We worked together at Safeway, so it was a brief discussion that he brought up for some reason. I didn´t really know much about it at that time, and now wished I had more of an opportunity to speak with him about it, as he seemed to want to share. I met his daughter years later when I was selling cars at a dealership in Ukiah, who told me more about it. I just remember Gerry being a very sweet natured guy. A very kind and gentle human. He was pretty quiet at work and just kept to himself for the most part, but was always friendly. I´m so sorry he and his family went through what they did, but so glad to hear he had a wonderful life with his family and got to be such a big part of his grand children´s lives. I know he and Patty are together again, much love
Anonymous
September 5, 2023
May you rest in peace.
K Coe
December 29, 2022
Jerry and I worked produce together in Willits. We had many conversations standing at the produce sink, tying cases of iceberg lettuce. I treasured every word he spoke. He was a quiet and thoughtful man with the kindest nature. I knew I was in the presence of a very special soul. I carry our times together, still to this day. Rest in peace Jerry. For his family... to me he ALWAYS wore angel wings. I am so very sorry for your loss of your dad, gramp, friend mentor, patriarch.
Burna L. Ford
December 16, 2022
My thoughts and sympathy go out to Jerry's family. My late husband John Ford was produce manager and Jerry was his assistant in late 60's and 70's, I was a grocery clerk at the time in Ukiah. Jerry was always a very nice person and I enjoyed working with him. May Jerry rest in peace and swapping stories with John. God Bless.
Jan Buch
November 22, 2022
I worked with Gerry at the Willits Safeway an honest and good man.
David S Fletcher
November 21, 2022
Tracy, I am sorry for your loss. I still remember working with your dad at Safeway in Willits. He was a very nice man. I hope you and your daughters have peace knowing he is with your mom again.
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