John Parks Jr.

John Parks, Jr. was born to the late John Parks, Sr. and his wife, Bertha, on August 18, 1936 in Forrest City, Arkansas. He was the eldest of eight siblings. At the age of nineteen, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Eva Mae Brown, while attending a local carnival. They married on February 12, 1956, and were blessed with five sons and three daughters. They relocated from Arkansas to California, where they’ve resided for over sixty years.

As a young man, John enjoyed working on his family farm. He helped his parents with various tasks including gardening, planting crops, and preparing for winter by canning fruits and vegetables. This is when he developed his green thumb. He was an avid baseball player and had a passion for fishing that he carried with him for the rest of his life. John loved vacationing with his wife and children. A few of his favorite places to travel were Lake Isabella in California, the Hawaiian Islands, and visiting his youngest daughter in Boston, Massachusetts. Above all, what mattered most to John was being surrounded by his loved ones and spending time with his cherished friends and family.

Providing for his family gave John a great sense of pride. Throughout his life, he worked as a commercial truck driver and a retail manager at Fedco Distributing Company until discovering his true calling when he started his own landscaping business over forty years ago. John loved making the world a more beautiful place through his work.

John was a devout Jehovah's Witness, and he dedicated his life to God when he became baptized in 1962. He was a beloved member of his congregation and inspired many by spreading the word of Jehovah.

Everywhere John went, he made new friends with ease; many of these relationships lasting a lifetime. His humble and caring personality made people naturally flock to him. Many would describe him as a gentle soul who would do anything in his power to help those in need. He appreciated any gesture, no matter how small, and made all those who knew him feel loved and valued. He had many titles and wore numerous hats, but being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather was his greatest accomplishment.

John is survived by his wife, Eva; their children, Sterling Parks and his wife, Pearly, of Canoga Park, CA; John Aron Parks of Canoga Park, CA; Ricky Parks of Canoga Park, CA; Twanda Greagor of Indianapolis, IN; Kimberly McKinney of Westlake Village, CA; Kellie Gentile and her husband, Frank, of Gloucester, MA; and Alan Parks of Canoga Park, CA. He is also survived by one sister and three brothers, twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha Parks of Los Angeles, CA; his son, Derrick Parks of Los Angeles, CA; his grandson, Ricky Alan Parks of Los Angeles, CA; and his three younger brothers.

John departed from us on August 14, 2024 at UCLA West Valley Medical Center, with his wife by his side. His legacy will continue to live on through those who loved him.