Red Parks

Clyde A. “Red” Parks, born November 12, 1926 died Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at his home. Born in Ft. Myers Florida, he was the third child, of the late Ethel Steed “Susie” and Thomas Ulan Parks. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Homer T. Parks and sister June Parks McKnight. He was a resident of Chattanooga for most of his 88 years. He was a member of the Waters Class of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga and was a Gideon.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Vivian H Parks, Son Larry S (Robin) Parks, and daughter Judy Parks (Darrel) Jones, grandchildren, Caroline Parks Jones, Atlanta, Drew (Chrissy) Jones, Lookout Mountain, GA, Robert (Lindsey) Parks, Chattanooga and Tommy Parks of Daytona Beach, FL, nephews, Charles H. (Jean) Parks and Danny St. Clair, Chattanooga, nieces Alice Healy, Signal Mountain and Nancy (Steve) Dragoo, Franklin, TN, sister-in-law, Sue G. Parks, and a host of others who claimed him as their “granddaddy” due to his kind, generous and loving nature.

The family also wants to acknowledge a special thanks to Alexian Live at Home’s DaQuida Stoudemire for her care, compassion, and attention for the past year, Darrell Blevins, and the Mountain View team from Hospice of Chattanooga.

A graduate of Central High School in 1944, after service in the US Navy stationed in Corpus Christi Texas in 1946 he returned to the business started by his father, T U Parks Construction Company and with his late brother Homer built a company that is 71 years strong. At the time of his death he was Chairman of the Board of the company and known far and wide for giving advice and until recently was still ready and able to provide counsel to anyone who asked and maybe even a few who didn’t. He had a hand in constructing many of Chattanooga and the region’s major buildings to include the Krystal and Tallan Buildings with his very close friends, Architect Ted Franklin and the late Tommy Lupton, Developer, many area churches including Brainerd United Methodist, First Centenary United Methodist, Brainerd Baptist, and more. Additionally he was proud of Chattanooga’s City High School, the largest project ever undertaken by the company in 1962.

A master woodworker until the day he died there are many fine pieces of furniture in family’s homes or offices as a testament to his ability and one of his many hobbies. He was an avid golfer and hunter until he physically could no longer swing a club or hold a shotgun, but continued encouraging his grandsons to develop their skills in their work and enjoy the outdoors as he had all his life.

He was involved in and served many civic organizations including the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, a past president of Siskin Children’s Institute and The Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts. He was active in the Associated General Contractors of America where he served as president of the East Tennessee and Tennessee State Chapters. He was a member of the Mountain City Club, Chattanooga Golf and Country Club and The Honors Course where he served on the committee that organized and hosted the US Amateur golf tournament in 1991. He served on the Board of Interfed Savings and Loan, First Federal Savings and AmSouth Bank of Tennessee, Rotary Club, Chattanooga’s Chamber of Commerce, The United Way, Memorial Hospital Foundation, and many other civic organizations during his career.

Arrangements are being handled by Chattanooga Funeral Home, S. Moore Road chapel, with visitation at the funeral home from 2pm until 5pm on Saturday . The funeral service will be at First Baptist Church in the Golden Gateway on Sunday at 2pm with internment to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Waters Class and also Ted Franklin and Ben Odom.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions should be made to the Siskin Children’s Institute, 1101 Carter Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37402, the Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 6031 Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37421, or Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist. 1 404 South Moore Road. Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.