“It is well with my soul...” His loving family sang these words over Howard (Mickey) Park as he stepped gloriously into the presence of his Lord whom he loved and served. Pastor Mickey Park died at age 86 on Friday, May 17th, 2019 in Birmingham, Alabama after suffering heart-related complications. Pastor, father and friend to many around the world, his legacy of love extends among countless lives through his biblical teaching, wise counsel, big smiles and hugs, contagious laughter, loving words, hospitality and heart for others. Mickey Park’s impact, influence and legacy will last for generations to come. The Kingdom of God was given a gift for this time in history and we are all changed. His family couldn’t be more honored to be one of his own and is confident it truly is well with his soul.
Mickey Park was born in Big Creek, MS in 1933 and was raised in Mobile, AL. Pastor Park was known by all to be a man deeply committed to his family while tirelessly pouring his life out to see the world reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. He was a voracious reader, a student of history, opened-minded and inquisitive, contemplative in prayer, adventuring around the world as a fearless missionary in places like Papua New Guinea, Africa and the Amazon until his eighties. Mickey had a brilliant mind to the end, having graduated from Bryan College where he met his soul mate and life partner, Martha, then studied under Charles Ryrie at Dallas Theological Seminary. After Seminary, Mickey served as the Director of Lake Forest Ranch and then as Bible Teacher at French Camp Academy in MS. He then pastored Bethany Bible Church in Knoxville, TN before serving as Senior Pastor of Shades Mountain Bible Church in Birmingham, AL for 29 years (1966-1995). Mickey and Martha then formed GlobalServant Ministries to provide pastoral care for Christian workers from around the world. They served alongside Wycliffe Bible Translators and various other Christian organizations on many fields. Martha continues the work of GlobalServant Ministries from their “House of Hospitality” in Indian Springs Village to offer encouragement, counsel and respite for ministry ‘warriors’ from around the globe.
Howard “Mickey” Park and Martha Anna King were married on May 20, 1958 in Knoxville, Tennessee and adopted Psalm 34:3 as their life verse. With a great love and a dream to influence the world for Christ, they created a lasting legacy through their five children, fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mickey Park is survived by his wife, Martha King; children Judith Park Vann (Mark), Jennifer Park Cochran (Steve), Jane Park DeLaney (Kevin), Nathan Park (Dee), and Elizabeth Park Stockli; grandchildren Brock Barber, Casey Cochran Snipes (Brandon), Leah Cochran, Josie Cochran, Jessica DeLaney Dreher (Patrick), Jake DeLaney, Jena DeLaney, Jillian DeLaney, Austin Park (Renae), Nelson Park, Carson Park, Amelia Park, Dalton Stockli, and Elise Stockli; and great-grandchild Elizabeth Park. He will also be missed by step-grandkids, Dustin Vann (Stephanie), Ashley Vann Edwards (Kris) and step-great-grandkids (Shane, Tucker, Faith, Noah), in-laws, nieces and nephews, “framily” members, countless dear friends and his loyal canine companion, Sir Gibby.
Mickey Park was preceded in death by his father, Henry DeWitt Park; beloved mother, Melba Miles Park; brother, Miles Thomas Park; sisters Billie Sue Colley and Melba Schmaeling (Tom); “mother-in-love” Barbara Burnett King; “father-in-love” William Doyle King; “sister-in-love” Joy King; and infant grandson Stephen Cochran.
Funeral arrangements: Saturday, June 8th at Mountain Brook Community Church, 3001 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35243. Viewing/visitation at Noon. Funeral service at 2:00. Graveside service to follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road (Highway 119), Pelham, AL 35124.
Charitable memorial donations can be made to GlobalServant Ministries, Inc.
Please make check payable to GlobalServant Ministries, Inc. and mail to: GlobalServant Ministries | P.O. Box 361407 | Birmingham, AL 35236. Paypal Donations: search for [email protected]. GlobalServant Ministries, Inc. is a recognized tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All financial gifts are tax-deductible.
