Mr. Edward Smith Parks Sr., 91, of Tangier Island, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at his home.
Born on Tangier on Oct. 9, 1935, he was the son of the late Melvin and Polly Jane Crockett Parks. At a young age, Ed’s family moved to Crisfield, Md., where he attended school, but every year he would spend the summer with his grandparents on Tangier.
His devoted wife of 65 years, Charlotte Pruitt Parks, preceded him in death on Feb. 9, 2026.
Ed served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1956. He worked for the Department of the Navy at the Radar Station on Tangier, then briefly with the Army Corps of Engineers. He later was co-owner of Tangier Island Seafood. Eventually, he realized working on the water was his passion, and he remained a waterman for most of his life.
Active in his community, he was a member of the New Testament Church and in his earlier years attended Swain Memorial United Methodist Church. He was very proud of being a member of the Tangier Island Mission Team.
He was a charter member of the Tangier Volunteer Fire Department and was actively involved in the former Tangier VFW Post 9358, where he served in many capacities, including past commander and service officer.
He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and enjoyed playing softball in his younger years.
He loved spending time with his family and he especially enjoyed visits from his grandchildren.
He is survived by three children, Beth Thomas, of Tangier, Edward Parks Jr. (Bev), of Tangier, and William Parks III, of Harrington, Del.; seven grandchildren, Rudy “Tripp” Thomas III (Alicia), of Bridgeport, W.Va, Courtney Ward (Keith), of Crisfield, Brett Thomas (Elana), of Tangier, Lindsay Photakos (Steve), of Moseley, Drew Parks, of Moseley, Lance Parks, of Moseley, and Schyler Parks, of Salisbury, Md.; seven great-grandchildren, Lukas, Nelson, and Nate Thomas, Kash Ward, Natalie Thomas, and Mason and Camden Photakos; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Rudy Thomas Jr.; and his sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Jimmie Lee Howard.
Visitation was Monday evening, Oct. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church on Tangier and one hour prior to the service.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 1:30 p.m. at Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Tangier. Elder Duane Crockett officiated, and Mr. Denny Crockett gave the eulogy. Funeral passengers departed Crisfield Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. on the Courtney Thomas mail boat and returned following the funeral. Interment was in Sunnyridge Memorial Park in Crisfield at approximately 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the Tangier Volunteer Fire Department.
Arrangements were in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com
