Mr. William Morris “Bill” Parks, 83, beloved husband of Arlene Marshall “Fern” Parks, and a lifelong resident Tangier, VA, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 12, 1931 on Tangier Island, he was the son of the late Roland Lee Parks and Estele Marion Pruitt. Following his service in the United States Army, Bill returned to the island, where he worked as a carpenter for many years. Later, and until his retirement, he owned and operated the town’s grocery store, “Island Market”, and was known throughout the community as “Uncle Bill”. He was a dedicated member of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church; a loving and devoted husband, father, pop, and uncle; and a loyal friend to all.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a sister, Joyce Shores of Tangier; a brother, Ralph “Skip” Parks of Salisbury, MD; two grandchildren, Terry K. Parks, Jr. and wife Hollis, of Parksley, VA, and Jamie Doyle and husband Tyler, of Summerville, SC; a great-grandson, Jacob Keith Doyle; a daughter-in-law, Janis Parks of Charleston, SC; and several nieces and nephews. Other than his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Terry Keith Parks, Sr.; a grandson, William Joseph Parks; two sisters; Betty Jean Pruitt, and Annette Deihl; two brothers, Bache Parks, and Owen Parks; and a nephew, Daniel McCready, whom he thought of as a son.

Funeral services will be held at the Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 12:30 p.m., with the Reverend John Flood and Elder Danny McCready officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Onancock, VA. There will be a visitation at the church on Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Swain Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 199, Tangier, VA 23440.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.