William Jackson Parks

William Jackson Parks Jr., 83, passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2017, surrounded by his loving wife of 64 years and close family. Bill was known by many names…Bill, Duke, Bud, Daddy, Papa, Chief Parks…and leaves a legacy of integrity, unconditional love and endless laughter. Bill is preceded in death by sons Jack and Joe Parks, grandson Jesse Parks Jr., and brothers Gene and Charlton Parks. Bill is survived by wife, Nancy Kathryn Parks; daughter, Anna Daly (Craig); son Jesse Parks Sr.; son Red Parks (Cheryl); 17 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, sisters Betty Parks Lister (Wayne) and Anne Parks, brother Bill Parks (George) and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill served his country in the Navy, Air National Guard and Army National Guard for a total of 27 years of service. A native of rural Georgia, Bill was full of patriotism when he attempted to join the military at 17 years old. His mother (“Big Momma”) intervened delaying his entry in the Navy by one year. Bill met the love of his life, Kathryn, at 19 years old and never had eyes for another. He was known to hitch hike 100’s of miles in his Navy uniform across Georgia just for one date. They married in 1953 and had five children by 1960. Calling Jacksonville, FL their home since marriage, Bill saw the opportunity to transfer the fire safety skills learned in the military to the Jacksonville Fire Department in 1961 and was determined to seize it! Circumventing the JFD rule against National Guardsmen and men over 30, Bill was hired by JFD. The policy on the National Guard changed shortly after allowing Bill to re-enlist and retain his E-8 rank. Bill was promoted by the JFD to Engineer in 1968, Lieutenant in 1976, Captain in 1977, District Chief in 1986, and appointed to Battalion Chief by Mayor Hazouri in 1988. Bill retired from the JFD in 1992 after 30+ years as one of the most respected firemen in Jacksonville’s history. Remarkably, Bill managed to squeeze in starting Arlington A/C and Heating with only the third HVAC masters license in Jacksonville. Bill taught all of his sons and numerous grandsons and nephews to learn the trade over the years.

Albeit an impressive professional resume, the true spirit of Bill Parks was seen in the way he interacted with his wife, his family and friends. Bill had the forever love and affection for Kathryn that romance novels are made of. Firefighter friends have shared countless stories of firehouse antics, heroic decisions and loving Bill’s country fare when it was his turn to cook. Bill invested in his family in a sacrificial way putting the needs of loved ones before his own. He took the time to know each and every grandchild personally and acted at each grandchild’s birth like it was the first! In the words of Taylor Ann (1 of 19 great grands), Papa taught us endurance, love, kindness, tenderness, to always admit when you’re wrong, never stay mad, cry when you need to, laugh always, sing like no one’s listening, and devote yourself to your family because they are all you got in this world until God calls us home. Bill was most often quoted for saying, “Papa loves you BIG much!” Bill enjoyed traveling with Kathryn, playing the guitar/banjo/piano, fishing, giving to others, playing cards, and learning the latest technical gadgets.

The family will be receiving guests for the wake at Resurrection Catholic Church (3383 University Blvd North Jax FL 32277) at 6PM on June 6, 2017. Funeral services will be held at the Church the next day at 10AM followed by an interment at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, and a reception at the Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Catholic Charities, or St. Joseph’s Indian School (www.stjo.org) or the Jacksonville Association of Retired Firefighters, 625 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL. 32204.