In Tribute to Kenneth Parks
1960 - 2005
UAMS Pathology technician and
supervisor, Kenneth Parks, assisted Dr. Harry Bonnell in the October 2004
autopsy performed on the body of Janie Ward.
In a bizarre turn of events, Mr. Parks was shot and killed in what
appeared to be a random home invasion in July 2005. As a
key witness in the Janie Ward case, his untimely and mysterious death has left
many questions. In his August 7th
column, “Ward Witness Murdered”, Mike Masterson raises many questions about the
connection between Mr. Parks and the Janie Ward case and remarks that the
suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Parks “cry out for a
federal grand jury probe of everyone involved in either witnessing or
investigating Janie’s death”. Whether
coincidental or inspired, suspicious “suicides”, “automobile related
fatalities”, and now “random acts of murder” are an unfortunate reality for
those with any knowledge of the truth.
Mr. Parks was admired
among friends, family, and community as a humanitarian with outstanding moral
fiber. The loss of Mr. Parks to this
appalling act of violence is a tragedy that will continue to endure in the
hearts of many.
Obituary
Notice
Bro. Kenneth
Parks, Sr., 45, of Little Rock, departed this earthly
life July 30, 2005. He was born April 22, 1960 to the late James Parks, Sr. and Johnnie
Parks.
Kenny accepted Christ early in life, united with Clear Lake
Baptist Church in England, Arkansas. He and his family later
became associated with the Greater New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of
Pastor Ronald Young.
Kenny was
employed for 26 years as a Pathology Tech and Supervisor at U.A.M.S. where he
remained faithful and dedicated until his death.
Kenny was a
proud parent and was very active in his sons' lives as a basketball coach for Brady Elementary School. He served in Dads of
Good Kids Club at Wilson Elementary School, a faithful PTA member of
Southwest Middle School. He received many
trophies and special awards for his faithful services.
Kenny served
as a soldier in the United States Army.
Kenny is
greatly missed. He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Johnnie Parks;
his wife of 25 years, Elnora Stephens Parks; children, Sherry McClure Parks,
Terry McClure Parks (Rassia), Kenneth Maurice Parks, Jr., and Eric and Deric
Parks, all of Little Rock; grandchildren, Reginald Dunn, Jr., Quinton Thomas,
Jr., and Reavyn McClure Parks; Eight brothers, Johnny L Parks (Vicki), Lawrence
Parks, of Little Rock, Arthur Jackson, Bobby Jackson (Juanita), Harold Jackson,
Ray Parks (Dorothy) of England, Arkansas, James Parks, Jr. of Michigan, and
Calvin Parks of Texas; Two sisters, Deloise Davis of Michigan and Jessie Mae
King (Donnie) of Little Rock; Five sisters-in-law Bernice Wallace, Beverly
Rhodes, Clara McCuin of Maumelle, Bettie Young of Little Rock; Three
brothers-in-law Clair Stephens, Craig Stephens, and Floyd Forte; a host of
Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and friends.
Kenny shared in the lives of nieces and nephews Telisa Criswell,
Rhonya Jackson, Craig Stephens, Jr., Isaac and Tracey Strong, Ernest McCuin,
Courtney Wallace, Jessica Wallace, and Sheree Forte.
Kenny, a kind,
gentle, but yet serious person. He smiled sometimes, but he had a big heart. If
you needed money, a car, or even a place to stay, he was always willing to help
others. If Kenny had it, you could get it. He always had an open door to his
children. Not only his but others. He helped to raise others as his own - his
nieces, nephews, even a neighbor's child. He gave all of himself in so many ways.
Kenny was one that you could depend on. Kenny can be defined as a people person
- he loved people, he loved to talk - he never met a stranger. He was very
serious about his work - he worked all the time, seemed to always be on call.
Kenny was a true humanitarian yet he was a simple man, down to earth - said
what he had to say and that was it. Never negative, but a positive attitude. If
it could be done, he believed he could do it. The glue that kept things
together, the backbone everyone looked up to; a mentor, a counselor, just a
good friend. We know Kenny for rubbing his head, whether he was talking,
thinking, or just watching television. Kenny had a faith in God that was seen
in his actions in his life.
A wake will be
held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. today at Greater New Hope Baptist Church, Little Rock,
followed by homegoing services at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at East Macedonia Baptist
Church in England.
Arrangements
are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
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Ms. Delois Davis and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss and you and your family have been and will
continue to be in our prayers.
SSG and Mrs Prescott (Elizabeth) Woodard and Family
Grand Blanc, Michigan
Email: Callowaywoodard@aol.com
We are praying for you and with you. Weeping may
endureth for the night, but joy cometh in the morning. We release your comfort
and care in the mighty name of Jesus.
Aaron (Ace) and Neshaja Harriott
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: aaronharriott@yahoo.com
Unfortunate this happened to such a young man. But, remember, God
does not make mistakes and his life was not in vain. God Bless his family. My
prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. A concerned neighbor.
P F Brown
Little Rock, Arkansas
Ray Fresh and Teresa Smith
UAMS
Little Rock, Arkansas
My Heart is saddened at Kenneth's death. He was a good friend and
coworker. I have had the pleasure of knowing Kenneth ever since he started at
UAMS. Everyone at UAMS has had some interaction with Kenneth at one time or
another and it was always a pleasurable experience. He was proud of his job,
his country and above all his family. My heart cries for your hurt and sorrow.
Hold your head high and be proud of your father, son and husband because he was
a great man. He has always been a good friend and helper here on earth, now he
is in heaven where he belongs. Kenneth would want you to be strong and proud
just like him. Take care of each other.
Frances L. Swain
Special Procedure Technician/Histology Technician UAMS
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: SwainFrancesL@uams.edu
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family of Kenny. I
know that this is a very difficult time for you all; but I know that the LORD
is a very present help in a time of trouble. May the peace of GOD which passeth
all understanding keep your hearts andmind full of precious memories of your
loved one.
Brenda Parks-Exson
England, Arkansas
Email: brenda681@futura.net
Your family will always be in our prayers. Kenny was a special
person and touched a lot of peoples' lives. God bless you always.
Tiffany L. Jackson
Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home
Little Rock, Arkansas
Carol Smith
Little Rock, Arkansas
Our Prayers are with you.
Janet Maxheimer
Roland, Arkansas
Email: maxheimerjanetw@uams.edu
Thinking of you and praying that God will send you and your family
peace during this difficult time.
Andrew Walker, Jr. and Family
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Email: gswalker59@yahoo.com
May the Lord Bless and keep your family in our prayers.
Gwen Jones and Selma Chandler
UAMS
Little Rock, Arkansas
Dear Elnora and Children, I worked with Kenny at UAMS since 1988.
Words cannot express how saddened I am by such an untimely death. Kenny was an
excellent employee. He was talented and respected by all that knew him. Most
importantly, he was a devoted family man. I know that with Kenny, his family
always came first. He loved you all and in his quiet way, dedicated himself to
your well-being. Your love was all he asked in return. He will be missed by so
many people. I, for one, cannot imagine not seeing him again. My thoughts and
prayers are with you and with Kenny. May I meet him again someday.
Bill Woodell
Former Administrator, UAMS Department of Pathology
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: wrwoodell@uams.edu
Our deepest sympathy is expressed to you. Kenny was a very
professional person, he will truly be missed.
Joann L. Walton
and Staff Of J. Walton-Duckett Funeral Home
Little Rock, Arkansas
May God keep his arms around you in your time of need. Prayers go up and blessings come down.
Adrienne Goins
UAMS
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: goinsadrienneb@uams.edu
Dear Parks Family, I didn't know Kenny well, but I had contact
with him at UAMS. I am a nurse on Labor and Delivery. I was always impressed
with the way Kenny handled the dead babies he transported to the morgue for me.
He always treated them with dignity and respect. For that matter, no matter how
many times I didn't do the paperwork correctly, he always treated me with
respect and was very helpful to me. I am deeply saddened by the senseless act
that took his life. I will continue to pray for his family. I'm so sorry.
Margaret Glasgow, RN
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: mglasg367618@aol.com
tangie montgomery
little rock, arkansas
To Kenny's Beloved wife and lovely family, I worked with Kenny
for 8 years at UAMS in the Pathology Dept and he was a wonderful, delightful
person. Our jobs required us to speak to each other most everyday, and at first
he was very shy, until I started kidding with him most every morning when he
would call to have me to page a Doctor. When he had the children and they were
with him Kenny shined like a big diamond ring. He was so very proud of all of
his children. I know he loved you Mrs. Parks very very much. He was a man of
trust, loyalty, and respect to all. I left Pathology Dept. last year, but
whenever I would see Kenny in the hall, he would always speak to me. I will miss
seeing Kenny around here at UAMS, but I will never forget this wonderful, kind,
considerate, man. My God bless you and your family forever.
Paula Marneenate
UAMS Cell Therapy Lab
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: marneenate@uams.edu
My prayer is that God comfort you in your time of bereavement.
Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning. Just trust God
and he will bring you through.
Charles & Cotina Jackson
Jackson Carpet Cleaning
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: jacksoncotinal@uams.edu
To the family of Kenny Parks: May God be with you in this time of
sorrow, to be a shield of protection when needed! I have known Kenny for such a
short time, but the time I did know him was like a life time. You do not find
many kind hearted people today like Kenny and when you do, you want to hold on
to them for ever. So don't be sad Kenny has gone to a better place, that one
day we will see him soon. So hold on and keep the faith, because that is
something Kenny would want us to do.
Shenetha Shephard
UAMS Pathology
Little Rock Arkansas
Email: slshephard@uams.edu
Tonya Dillard
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: tdortc@yahoo.com
The Allen Family
Little Rock, Arkansas
Keeping you and your family in heart and mind, for he will be
greatly missed at UAMS.
Patricia A. Wright
Medical Tech
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: wrightpatriciaa@uams.ed
Kenny was a wonderful friend to the funeral profession. He always
used common sense in the way that he did his job and cared deeply about the
quality of his work. I will miss him dearly.
Steve Schade
Funeral Director
Benton, Arkansas
Email: schades@rollerfuneralhomes.com
Evelyn Ida & Denise Wilkins
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: mseve57@yahoo.com
Thinking of you and praying for your family. Look to the hills.
Anne Middleton
Family Support Supervisor DHS
Little Rock, Arkansas
To Elnora and Family Although we only
met your Kenny once. He assisted and witnessed the autopsy performed on our
daughter, Janie, by Doctor Harry Bonnell. We found Kenny to be a very helpful
and caring person, giving us strength to endure what we were going through. We
are very sad at your loss and share the knowledge that through faith we will
meet Kenny Parks again. God Bless. We hope that these words may give some
comfort.
Ron & Mona Ward
Marshall, Arkansas
Email: ronward@alltel.net
Just read your well-written notice with great sorrow. I, too,
thought the world of Kenneth. He was super dedicated to his work. I worked with
him at UAMS. Just wanted y'all to know how much everyone respected and admired
him.
Cherye Riggs
ACRC, Cancer Education, retired
Little Rock, Arkansas
Jason Engler
Funeral Director, Ruebel Funeral Home
Little Rock, Arkansas
I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my
help. Our deepest sympathy to Kenny and Family.
William & Angelia (Terry) Scovil and Family
DHS-Personnel
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Elnora and family - I was deeply saddened and in shock when I
heard the news about Kenny. I worked with Kenny for almost twenty years in the
Pathology Department at UAMS and considered him my friend. Kenny was always
friendly and courteous to everyone. He was a unique person and will be greatly
missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
Janet Lynn Parker
Secretary - Arkansas State Police - CACD
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: janet.parker@asp.arkansas.gov
Kenny was a great guy. I worked with Kenny at UAMS for 25 years.
He will be missed by all that knew him.
Shelia Diane Romes
UAMS
Little Rock, Arkansas
Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. He
will be forever missed. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with the entire
family. May God continue to bless each of you.
Eunice Reed & Dee Sheffield
Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: ruffin.jarrett@sbcglobal.net
May God bless and keep you all.
Diana Williams
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: dwilliams@asl.lib.ar.us
"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so
them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with
Him."
I Thessalonians 4:14
We are sorry for your loss - may the peace of Jesus be
with you all.
Coach Ready and Family
Little Rock, Arkansas
May god blessed the family and I will keep the family in my
prayers.
Markell Chatman
UAMS (Distribution Service)
Little Rock, Arkansas
Email: markell_3114@yahoo.com
On behalf of the Parks family, words can never be able to express
how we feel. The love and kindness that has been shown, it is so overwhelming.
We appreciate you for taking the time to show that love. Kenny was an
extraordinary person, one of God's chosen ones, and his memories will forever
live on in our hearts. And a very special thanks to Ruebel Funeral Home, who
has done a wonderful job in making sure the family was
taken care of in the loss of Kenny. We could not have done it without them.
Your kindness will never be forgotten. Kenny could not have chosen better
friends, but it was the Christ in him that deserves the glory. From Kenny's
sister-law:
Clara Ann McCuin
Maumelle,Arkansas
Email: mccuina@yahoo.com
Brent M. Hill
Conway, Arkansas
On behalf of the Nichols Family ( Verline,
Gwen, Martin, Ralph, Yancy Jr, Phillis), I'd like to express our
sincerest sympathy to Kenny's wife and children, his mother, and all of his
family. Kenny was truly a special person - we grew up together as friends and
classmates and I will always remember him as a fun loving person with a
wonderful spirit. Our prayers are with you and we are so blessed to have had
the opportunity to know him. May God Bless and Strengthen You.
Phillis L. Nichols-Anderson
Columbia, Maryland
Email: nicholsanderson@comcast.net
