Dr. William Thurston Parks II

Born in Terre Haute, Indiana on March 10, 1927, Bill was the son of the late W. Thurston Parks and Mary Haught Parks. He was preceded in death by sisters Margie Lou Duffin and Shirley Ann.

After graduation from Wiley High School, he entered Rose Poly engineering school and a short time later enlisted in the Navy during WWII. After the war ended, he entered Indiana State University as a pre-dental student where he soon met his lifelong love, Larrie Hope. After a 6 1/2 year courtship, they were married on December 20, 1953, shortly before Bill graduated from Indiana University’s dental school. They opened his first dental office in Santa Ana, CA, eventually moving to Tustin where he completed his 35 year career. He spent much of his time and energy in active participation the OC Dental Society and in many other community activities.

Bill’s unconditional love for his wife and 4 children was displayed in his constant involvement in their lives, sports, activities and beloved family vacations. An avid boater, Bill particularly loved teaching young and old to waterski. In 1990, Bill fulfilled his dream of living in Montana by purchasing a property on Flathead Lake where he enjoyed driving his tractor around his cherry orchard. From that time on the Parks explored the world’s people and places through travel, eventually covering 6 continents.

Throughout his life, Bill served as a deacon and elder in his church, a leader in Bible Study Fellowship, a host of the National Prayer Breakfast and a member of several overseas mission trips.

Bill is survived by his wife, Larrie, his children, Bill (Laura), Brad ( Wendy), Brian (Kathy), and Brenna, by grandchildren, Sarah, Maiah, and Perryn, step-grandchildren, Forest, Apryll and Paisley and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His family and friends will miss his wit, sense of humor and the fruits of the spirit he possessed.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Tuesday, July 23 at 11:00 am at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach with a reception at the church immediately following.

A donation may be made in Bill’s memory in honor of his amazing caregiver Ramon Marquez to Far East Broadcasting Company’s Philippine office: 15700 Imperial Hwy, La Mirada, CA 90638. www.febc.org