Parks Edward Gettys, Sr.

Parks was born on August 16, 1928 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina to John Daniel and Mamie Vannoy Gettys. His family moved to Birmingham, Alabama when he was a teenager, where he graduated from Ramsey High School. He married the love of his life, Faye McClellan Williams, on May 26, 1951, and they were happily married for over 66 years until her passing in 2017. He enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He spent his life as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and even a great-great-grandfather! Known for his gentle spirit, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family, Parks cherished his loved ones deeply.

What he and Faye were most proud of was the blessing of their seven children. After thinking their family of six children was complete, they were blessed with a fun and unexpected surprise to the entire family, their seventh child “Joy.” She was born when Faye was 46 and he was 51! All seven of their children brought them immeasurable joy and they took pride in their growing family of 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren—with twins expected soon—one great-great-grandson and another one on the way! These children and grands were truly his pride and joy. He loved each one dearly and took every opportunity to talk about them, share their accomplishments, and tell others how proud he was of his family.

Parks worked at Liberty National Life Insurance Company as Purchasing Manager for over 30 years and was blessed to be able to retire in 1985. During that time, he and his family lived in Trussville and then Pell City until he and Faye found the land of their dreams in Chelsea, Alabama. He was quite the craftsman and spent the next 5 years designing and building their beautiful home which he lived in for over 40 years.

He faithfully attended Meadow Brook Baptist Church for many years until he was no longer physically able to attend. He and Faye were known to be on every youth mission trip including trips to Pensacola, Charlotte, Savannah, Memphis, and Charleston. They enjoyed serving and even sleeping on the floor on many of these trips. He was given the nickname of “Papa Smurf,” beloved among his groups where he served as construction team leader doing home renovations in impoverished communities. He loved these trips and serving with the youth and people living in these communities. Parks lived out his faith and the love of Jesus not only through his service, but in the way he loved his family and everyone he encountered.

Parks thoroughly enjoyed the game of golf for many, many years! He was quite good and loved to play with his family too. He was a member at Chace Lake Country Club and made many lifelong friends through the sport. He definitely loved to teach and instruct in the game of golf and gave many heartfelt “lessons” over the years. In fact, he loved all sports. In his younger years, he played tennis and baseball and was an excellent bowler. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching both the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide play!

He was devoted to his precious wife, Faye, and lovingly and unselfishly took care of her for over 17 years during her battle with Parkinson’s disease. After her passing in 2017, he continued to live in their cherished home that they loved and was also able to enjoy their beach home on Wolf Bay they built together. During this time, he enjoyed many trips with his family including Callaway Gardens and Alaska.

Parks leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory including his children, Edward Gettys, Judy Patterson and her husband Carr, Charles Gettys and his wife Sarah Beth, Carol Grimes and her husband J., Cathy Stewart and her husband Gary, Janet Brown and her husband Scott, and Joy Brunson and her husband Brian. His dear grandchildren are Julie Curry, Parks Gettys and his wife Lindsay, Emily Johnson and her husband Scott, Mason Grimes and his wife Paige, Daniel Brown and his wife Tram, Chrisavi Cuviello and her husband Vinny, Elizabeth Waldy and her husband Andrew, Matthew Brown, Kayla Roethler and her husband James, Nolen Brown and his wife Sydney, Carianne Lewis and her husband Austin, Abby Grace Brunson, Caleb Brunson, Cole Brunson, and Caden Brunson. His sweet great-grandchildren, Emma and her husband Jack, Ethan, Adalin, Grady, Charlie, Shepherd, Ellie, Jake, Sarah, M.J., Malachi, Sadie, Dan, Luke, Joel, Brodie, Adaline and his great-great-grandchild, Daniel.

Parks was preceded in death by his loving wife Faye; his parents, John and Mamie Gettys; his brothers, Johnny, Bruce, and Darwin; his little sister, Patricia; and his son-in-law, Gene Ogletree.

He deeply appreciated each of his caregivers, including Sherry, Lanette, Marva, Kathy, Kendra, Susan, Mo, Venika, and Fannie for the love, kindness, and devoted care they gave him throughout the years. Their compassion and friendship meant so much to him and to his family.

Parks will be dearly missed and forever loved by his family, but they find comfort knowing that he is now at home with Jesus and that his love and legacy will continue through the generations.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Meadow Brook Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama at 11 am with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12 pm. A private burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meadow Brook Baptist Church.