Obituary for Rev. David Lewis Parks Sr. Reverend David Lewis Parks, age 92, of Black Mountain, NC went to be with the Lord on January 6, 2019. Rev.
Parks was born in Asheville, NC and grew up in Weaverville, NC. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country during World War II. Following the war, he returned home and entered Georgia Tech where he earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree.
Remembering his service in Japan following the war, he felt called to the mission field and entered Columbia Theological Seminary. While in seminary, he served at Brittains Cove Presbyterian Church in Weaverville. Following graduation from seminary, he and his new bride moved to Elberton, GA where he was ordained as pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church.
He next served as Assistant Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS. Then, following his call to the mission field, he and his very young family boarded a freighter and sailed to South Korea, where he served as a missionary for eleven years. Following his service in Korea, Rev.
Parks returned to his home town of Weaverville, NC and became the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church there. Several years later, he became a Professor of Bible at Montreat College in Montreat, NC. While at the college he was named Dean of the Faculty.
Also, while at Montreat College, he served as pastor of Lakey Gap Presbyterian Church, in Black Mountain, NC. Following his retirement from the college, Rev. Parks became the pastor of Brittains Cove Presbyterian Church in his home town of Weaverville.
Rev. Parks was also very active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Black Mountain Home for Children, President of the Lions Club in Black Mountain, and Chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9157 in Black Mountain. He was also a lifelong private pilot and thoroughly enjoyed flying.
Rev. Parks faithfully served his Lord and Savior, and did so while loving everyone he came in contact with. Rev.
Parks was preceded in death by his parents, June L. Parks, Sr. and Leta Burroughs Parks. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Madelyn Parks Gettys, and his brother June L. Parks, Jr. Rev. Parks is survived by his loving and caring wife of 64 years, Anna Rue Osteen Parks.
He is also survived by five children, David L. Parks, Jr. (Jamie) of Mt. Juliet, TN, James Parks (Samra) of Candler, NC, Samuel Parks (Elizabeth) of Cartersville, GA, Leta Parks of Black Mountain, NC, and Anna Parks Brawand (John) of Brookings, SD. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Michael of Marshall, NC.
He was a loving grandfather of eight grandchildren, Michael Parks (Amy) of Fremantle, Australia, Matthew Parks (Sarah) of New Orleans, LA, Joseph Parks (Rochelle) of Dunlap, TN, Jenna Parks Martin (Terence) of Knoxville, TN, Anna Parks Kirk (Brandon) of Soddy-Daisy, TN, Bonnie Parks Brown (Daniel) of Greeneville, TN, Marianna Brawand of Sioux Falls, SD, and Parks Brawand of Brookings, SD. He also is survived by thirteen great grandchildren, William and Helen Parks, Emma, Eli, Oliver, and Owen Parks, Owen and Sophia Parks, Charlotte and Connor Martin, Sarah and Kathryn Kirk, and Daniel Brown. A celebration of life service will be held at Christ Community Church in Montreat, NC on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 am.
Reverend Richard White and Chaplain Jack Taylor will officiate. A reception will follow the service. The burial will be in Mountain View Memorial Park, Black Mountain, NC at 3:00pm.
The family would like to express a very special thank you to the staff of the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Black Mountain. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider donating to: Mission to the World missionaries Michael and Amy Parks at mtw.org. Please note #16211 on the memo line.
Donation address is Mission to the World, PO Box 744165, Atlanta, GA 30374-4165. Black Mountain home for Children, 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711. Montreat College Advancement Office, PO Box 1267, Montreat, NC 28757.
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