Mr. Charles Lewis “Chuck” Parks Jr., 80, of Onley, husband of Annette Thornton Parks, was called home to be with the Lord surrounded by his family on Oct. 13 in Norfolk.
Born on Nov. 1, 1945, on Tangier Island, he was the son of the late Charles L. Parks Sr. and Margaret Billingsley Parks.
Chuck worked for Holly Farms and then Suburban Propane until he retired. He was a member of Onley Baptist Church and held his faith close throughout his life, passing on his wisdom and quiet faith to his family.
Chuck was the ultimate outdoorsman, with a love for hunting, fishing, gardening, and tinkering in his garage. Whether he was out in nature, tending to his garden, or working on a project, he was happiest keeping busy with his hands. A man who could build or fix just about anything, he was also the family’s go-to chef. He was the definition of a true man’s man — a gentleman, a Christian, a sportsman, and a fixer of everything, including people.
You could always hear Chuck’s distinctive laugh before you saw him, a sound that brought warmth and joy to those around him. Above all, Chuck embodied what it meant to be a devoted family man. His faith, generosity, resourcefulness, and unmistakable spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know and love him.
Other than his wife of 60 years, Annette, Chuck is survived by a son, Charles “Chad” L. Parks III, of Onley; a daughter, Wenda Parks White and her husband, Nick, of Onley; a sister, Carolyn L. Simmons, of Salisbury, Md.; his grandsons, Charles “Chase” White (Emily) and Tyler White (Jaylin); a great-granddaughter, Emersyn White; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Sat., Nov. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 20599 Belote Farm Lane, Melfa, VA 23410.
This will be a very casual, outdoor gathering in the garage, just as he would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Onley Baptist Church.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley.
