JOHN WILLIAM PARKS,

89, of Jacksonville left this world to be with his wife and forever Valentine, Rita, on February 14, 2021. He was born in Vilonia, Ark., on July 15, 1931 to Opie John and Winnie Lois Waller Parks.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Rita Davis Parks; sisters, Leonda (Hester) Mattison and Valda (Joe) Skipper and great-grandson Kyle Patrick McWilliams Jr.

He is survived by his children, David Parks and Theresa (Charles) Champion of Jacksonville and Donna Smith of North Little Rock; grandchildren, Shelly (Shane) Smith, Krystie (Ryan) Ellis, Jon (Lori) Champion and Rebecca (Kyle Sr.) McWilliams; great-grandchildren, Presley and Kolton Smith, Madyson and Rylee Ellis, Shaun and Aaron McWilliams, as well as extended family and friends.

John Parks played for Jacksonville’s first football team before joining several of his classmates to enlist in the Air Force during the Korean War. After his active-duty military service, he served his community as a Captain at the Fort Roots VA Fire Department, and as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Jacksonville. He continued his service in, and retired from, the Arkansas Air National Guard. He will be remembered as a model of steadfast courage, kindness, and integrity by all who were privileged to know him.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis; Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock; the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the funeral home. Interment will be immediately following the service at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.