Kenneth Martin "Ken" Parks,

Kenneth Martin Parks, Jr. passed away on April 28, 2011, after a brief illness. Ken was born in Jesup, Ga. on March 18, 1932, the eldest son of Kenneth and Bernice Parks. He graduated from Jesup High School in 1950 and served four years in the US Navy on the USS Yorktown. He married Sheila Dolan in 1955 and went on to graduate from the University of Georgia in 1960. Together, he and Sheila raised six children: Kenny Parks, Terry Parks (Kelly), Maria Heller (Harry), Amy Sikes (Bruce), John Parks (Cindy), and Lisa Parks (Jim), all of whom survive him. He is also survived by his brothers Richard Parks (Elvira) and Robert Parks (Yvonne), his sisters Ginger Lewis (Bill) and Kathryn Fries,and many nieces and nephews. Ken was a much-loved "Granddad" to his eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his grandsons, James Sikes and John Heller. Ken retired after many years as a purchasing manager in the mechanical contracting field, but those who knew him best know that he was truly a farmer at heart. His love of nature and his garden was surpassed only by his love for his family, and he will be dearly missed by all. In keeping with his wishes, the family will hold a private memorial service on Friday, May 6, 2011, and he will be laid to rest in Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Northeast Florida Community Hospice at 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, 32257. Arrangements by: Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd.