Mr. Gerald B. Parks, age 80 of Benton, KY, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2015, at his home.
Born Wednesday, June 5, 1935 in Calloway Co., KY, he was a graduate of Murray State University, taught math at Murray High School before entering a career with International Business Machines (IBM), that would last 29 years. He was a Customer Service Manager at IBM. After retirement he worked at Kentucky Dam Village Golf Course, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, gardening and woodworking. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church .
Surviving are his wife, Yvonne (Staples) Parks of Benton, KY, sons, Hugh Parks, wife Laura of Raleigh, NC, and Joel Parks, wife Robin of Smyrna, TN, step-son, Bob Hurst, wife Gina of Murray, KY, step-daughter, Tammie Ross, husband Frank of Benton, KY, brother, Larry Parks, wife Joella of Murray, KY, step-sister, Carolyn Hargis, husband Gary of Cleveland, TN. Grandchildren; Brian Parks of New York, NY, Allison Bruns of Richmond, TX, Amory Parks of Raleigh, NC, Kirby Parks of Chattanooga, TN, Morgan Parks of Smyrna, TN and Peli Ross of Benton, KY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Otto and Eva (Rose) Parks, his step-mother Hilda (Joseph) Parks, brother, Darrell Parks and his step-son, David Hurst.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Collier Funeral Home in Benton, KY. Rev. Mark Thweatt officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Cole Cemetery, Benton, KY.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2015, at Collier Funeral Home, 211 West 5th, Benton, KY.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Education Fund, 4045 Mayfield Hwy, Benton, KY 42025.
