Alfred "Fert" E. Parks

ALFRED "FERT" ELLIOTTE PARKS, lifelong resident of Fayette County, retired business owner, decorated Naval Veteran and husband of Barbara Parks departed this life, Monday evening, May 17, 2010 at his residence. He was 84 years of age and died following an extended illness.

A Service of Remembrance for Mr. Parks was conducted at 11 A.M. Thursday, May 20, 2010 at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel at Somerville with Rev. Ken Burnette of the Parks Chapel United Methodist Church officiating. He was assisted by Rev. Boyce Wilson of Somerville. Interment with Military Honors followed in the Parks Chapel Cemetery in District 15. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-Main Chapel of Somerville.

A native of Fayette County Mr. Parks was born July 18, 1925. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll Moses Parks and Mary Felica Conn Parks, early residents of the District 15 area. He received his education in the Fayette County Public School System and proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a tailgunner during WWII. He was a decorated veteran receiving the Purple Heart and Silver Star.

Mr. Parks was a lifelong resident of the Somerville area and operated the Parks Auto Parts in Somerville before his retirement. He will be remembered as an avid golfer who enjoyed nature and vegetable gardening. Mr. Parks enjoyed people, fishing and traveling as long as health permitted. Mr. Parks was married September 2, 1978 to the former Barbara Nesbitt Williams of Fayette County, who survives.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Parks is survived by two daughters: Sue Houston (Garner) of Somerville, Judy Wardlow (Gordon) of Bartlett; his son, Ricky Parks (Judy) of Whiteville, TN; three step-daughters: Sue Freels of Union City, TN., Dixie Malcolm of Ponce City, OK and Debbie Jamerson'Lee of Elkhart, IN; his sisters: Joy Earnest of Somerville, TN. and Virgie Appling of Southaven, MS.; four brothers: James Parks, Paul Parks, John Parks and Ike Parks, all of Somerville; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Parks was preceded in death by his grandson Elliot Houston.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Garner Houston, Kyle Marlar, Andy Parks, Steve Parks, Bobby Phillips and Rodney Tatum, Jr. Honorary casketbearers were Carl Parks, Dwain Parks, Ike Parks, James Parks, John Parks, and Paul Parks.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Park's Chapel Cemetery Association, c/o Wanda Parks, 6175 Jernigan Road, Somerville, TN 38068 or charity or organization of the Donor's choice.