Ernest Edward Parks, Jr.

Ernest Edward Parks, Jr., 57, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2023 on Tangier Island, Virginia. Born January 22, 1966 on Tangier, he was the son of the late Ernest Edward Parks, Sr. and Donna Jean Parks.

Ernie was a loving and devoted husband, father, and pop. A lifelong waterman, Ernie captained his own boat for many years, and later, worked alongside others as their first mate. He was one of the hardest working men on the water and anyone he worked for would say he was one of the best mates around. A few of his favorite things were spending time with his grandkids, often riding them around on his scooter, spending time with his wife and daughters, and hanging out with his buddies under the awning at the dock. Ernie was a kindhearted person who was willing to help anyone in need, no matter what it was. He loved his wife, daughters, and grandchildren fiercely, and they were his world.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rose Parks; daughters, Olivia Pruitt and her husband, Brian, and Kayla Crockett and her husband, Nathan; grandchildren, Peyton, Madi, Weston, Rowen, Kelsey, and Kole, all of Tangier; and sister, Lisa Pusey of Salisbury, MD. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Ernest and Della Parks and Grover and Docia Smarr.

The family invites friends to join them for a time of sharing at Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 1:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Charles W. Parks III officiating.

Contributions in Ernie’s memory may be made to the Tangier Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 239, Tangier, VA 23440.

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

Arrangements by the Williams Funeral Homes, Onancock, VA and Parksley, VA.

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