Jack Lee Parkey

Jack Lee Parkey was born on July 14, 1940 in Bluefield, WV, the son of Barney Ray Sr. and Vivian Cole Haden Parkey. Jack was the baby of four siblings and had fond memories of his childhood; playing in the creeks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, helping in his family’s greenhouses, and being doted on by his older sister, Shirley.

He graduated from Bluefield High School in 1958 after being active in Key Club, Student Government, and mischief. He attended Bluefield and Concord College graduating with a B.S. in History.

On November 30, 1965 Jack joined NCIS (then NIS) and began his highly successful 32-year career as a Special Agent. His first important assignment was as an agent afloat on the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67, as the first civilian investigator assigned to that ship. After three years afloat he landed in New York where he was assigned to a counter intelligence task force during the Cold War. He was an integral part of Operation Lemon Aid (1976-88) where several Soviet Union spies were convicted of espionage. After this successful operation he was eventually promoted in 1988 to Special Agent in Charge at the Millington, TN Naval Base. He retired July 31, 1997 from NCIS.

In 1982 in Norfolk, VA, Jack’s daughter- Autumn Alexandra was born. Jack was a dedicated father and adored his time with his daughter. Moving to California when Autumn was two, they enjoyed many adventures there like the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, the beach, and bike rides to Seaport Village to fly kites. After their move to Memphis, Jack continued to support and foster his daughter’s love of the arts, outdoors, and physical activities. They would swim, roller skate, and garden together. Some of Autumn’s beloved memories are high school road trips to Colorado and West Virginia to snow ski.

In 1999, Jack married Cecelia Ryser and he treasured their love and companionship. They enjoyed many of the same pastimes like road trips, gardening, church, and family time.

Jack will be remembered for being a loving father, husband, and brother. He was dedicated to protecting our country and serving justice. Jack was a great listener and storyteller. He kept Christ first in his life and now enjoys his eternal home.

Jack’s wife, Cecelia, of 25 years passed only two days after him where they could be reunited in heaven.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents; brothers (sister-in-laws), Barney Ray Parkey Jr. (Patty) and James K. Parkey (Kate); sister, Shirley Parkey Skewes; and nephew, Steven Parkey.

Jack is survived by his daughter; Autumn Thron and husband, Michael, of Memphis, TN. He adored his five grandchildren Trace, Warren, Lila, Matthew, and Holden. He was fortunate to have step-daughter, Tracy Imle and husband Peter, of Gonvick, MN, and step-son, Jeff Hendren and wife, Kae, of Norwalk, CT and their families in his life. He held dear his niece and nephews, Cynthia, Barney, Rev. Andrew, and John Parkey; David and Matthew Skewes.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery (13400 N. Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK, 73131).

Memorials may be made to the Wolf River Conservancy at https://www.wolfriver.org/give/honorarium, where a bench will later be dedicated to Jack for his grandchildren to sit and enjoy the river with him.