Obituary of Rev. Charles E Parks

Rev. Charles E. Parks of Greenville, South Carolina, passed Saturday, July 3, 2021, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Earle, Arkansas, on May 6, 1933, to the late Nathaniel and Julia Parks. He was four years younger than his only sister. In 1942, the family moved from Arkansas to Boston, Massachusetts, where Charles received his formal education. Also, while there, he joined the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Boston. He confessed his faith at an early age. As head of the house, he was the first to lead his young family to church every Sunday. He was a faithful member and served on the Usher Board. Charles was gainfully employed and began working at the Hood Rubber Company, now known as BF Goodrich, for many years. After Hood Rubber Company, he began working for Carling Black Label Brewery of Natick, MA. Charles later moved to Syracuse, NY, and began working at Anheuser-Busch until retiring. After retiring, he moved to Cheraw, SC, where he joined Pee Dee Union Baptist Church. This is where he accepted God's call to preach. He received his license and was ordained by Pastor Rev. Jerry D. Corbett. On July 8th, 2007, he married his loving and devoted wife, Mary S. Flowers. Shortly after that, he moved to Greenville, SC, and became a dedicated Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church member. At the young age of 74, he graduated from Morris College in Sumter, SC, where he advanced in their Ministerial extension program. Charles was a true servant of God until his health began to decline. He would often visit the sick, no matter where they were. He was a dedicated Vacation Bible School Teacher who lead many souls to Christ by going over the Sinner's Prayer with them. He served communion to the sick and shut-in. Most importantly, he would offer a word of prayer. The Legacy left behind includes his wife Mary Parks; his eight children, Harry, Beverly, Thomas (Donna), Paulette, Donald (Tammy), Ronald, Eric, and Kirk; his sister Mary Lackland; stepchildren, Sandra (Donald) Flowers, Latonya (William) Greenlee, Cornelius (Yolanda) Flowers and Cornell (Toni) Flowers; 34 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; Goddaughter Keisha Dubose-Blocker; along with a host of other family and friends. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Charles Parks, Jr, and two granddaughters Vanisha Parks and China Louise Parks.