Parks, Sr., Dan
Today, we celebrate the homegoing of a remarkable man, Reverend Dan Parks Sr., who was called to his eternal rest on September 6, 2024. Born on September 24, 1943, in the lush hills of Giles County, Virginia, he embarked on a journey that spanned eight decades, filled with service, love, and unwavering faith.
Reverend Parks was a man of honor and valor, enlisting in the United States Air Force at the tender age of 16. His dedication to our nation was steadfast, serving with distinction until his retirement in 1980. During his military tenure, he was recognized for his courage in Vietnam, receiving the outstanding unit award with a V for Valor, and was a proud member of the unit named Red Horse. His service with the Office of Special Intelligence and his efforts to assist refugees flee Vietnam exemplified his compassionate spirit. His commitment to excellence was further demonstrated by his supervisory role in constructing a bombing range in Fairbanks, Alaska, and his engineering expertise in the building of Jet III Fighter Planes and hospitals in Thailand. His chest bore the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and the National Defense Service Medal, symbols of a duty performed with highest honors.
After his distinguished military career, Reverend Parks pursued his passions with vigor. He ran with the wind, often embarking on 100-mile runs that tested the limits of human endurance. His martial arts prowess was evident in his mastery of four disciplines, earning blackbelts in Kemp, Judo, Aikido/Gunfa, and Savate. Yet, it was his heart that guided him to his true calling.
In 2021, he was ordained as a minister, a role he embraced with the same dedication he applied to every endeavor. Reverend Parks was a man of the Word, and his preaching resonated with the depth of his conviction. His voice, a melodious and powerful instrument, was raised in song to the glory of the Lord, touching the souls of all who heard him.
Reverend Parks was a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength to his beloved family. He leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration in his children: Beatrice Parks of Roanoke, Virginia; Daniel Parks of Watertown, New York; and Dan Parks Jr. of Roanoke, Virginia. His spirit will live on in the joy and laughter of his grandchildren, Danasia Parks of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Crystaree Smith of Roanoke, Virginia; and a sister, Doris Shipman. His journey now continues, where he is reunited with his mother, Molly Parks Peoples; father, Ernest Shoveller; step-father, Robert Clarence “Bob” Peoples; sister. Elizabeth Summers; and brother Lewis Harris.
Reverend Parks’ life was a testament to the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit. He was a man who gave selflessly, helping those in need without a second thought. His actions were guided by love, and his legacy is one of service to his country, his community, and his Lord.
Reverend Dan Parks Sr. passed away peacefully at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, but the impact of his life will reverberate for generations to come. As it is written in Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of thy lord.” And so, we take comfort in knowing that Reverend Parks has heard these words, spoken just for him, as he entered into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The family will receive friends in a time of visitation on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the First Baptist Church of Pembroke, Virginia. A funeral service will be held to celebrate the homegoing and life of Reverend Parks on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the First Baptist Church of Pembroke, Virginia with Reverend Marcus Turner officiating. Military Honors will also be presented at this time by the United States Air Force and American Legion Posts 68, 311, and 145. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Parks family.
