Thomas Ray Parks, Sr.

Mr. Thomas Ray Parks, Sr., devoted husband of the late Maureen Flynn “Penny” Parks, and patriarch of the Parks family, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at his home. 

A resident and native of Wachapreague, VA, and a former longtime resident of Onancock, VA, Thomas Ray was born May 3, 1933 to the late Wilson A. Parks and Annie Landon Parks.  He retired from the Accomack County Public School System, where he was a teacher and devoted football and basketball coach, enthusiastically inspiring both his students and players, over many years.  Following his school career, he was an inspector with the Virginia Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures Division.  Thomas Ray accepted a retirement incentive from the state of Virginia that he couldn’t refuse, enabling him to enjoy many quality years enjoying what he adored most:  being with his children and their families.  He greatly cherished these times, and they were the favorite and most comforting of his life.

Thomas Ray graduated from Lynchburg College; served his country in the United States Coast Guard; was an avid golfer and hunter; loved gardening and especially looked forward to sharing the fruits of his labor; and enjoyed attending local high school football games.

Survivors include his nine loving children, Thomas Ray Parks, Jr. and wife Mary Jane, of Exmore, VA, Patrick M. Parks and wife Kim, of Chesterfield, VA, Kathryn P. “Kathy” Bundick of Accomac, VA, Christopher A. Parks and wife Jill, of Charlottesville, VA, David A. Parks of Wachapreague, Carol Ann Parks and Ray of Wallops Island, VA, Paul J. Parks of Wachapreague, Sean F. Parks and Holli, of Stuart’s Draft, VA, and Matthew W. Parks and wife Leslie, of Wilmington, DE; twenty-five grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Penny, Thomas Ray was predeceased by a sister, Frances P. Bowser; a brother, Russell A. Parks; and a grandson, William Walter Bundick.

Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., with The Reverend James William Moore officiating.  Interment will follow in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.  There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Powelton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 98, Wachapreague, VA 23480, Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onley, VA 23418, or to Riverside Shore Cancer Center, P.O. Box 430, Onancock, VA 23417.

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

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.