Bill Parks
(25 SEP 1929, 9 FEB 2005)
Bill Parks Eulogies
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D - 1
1st Row: Dienst, Jim Ryan, Eddins, Cooper, Bergen, Newton, Tebodo (CO), Lathrop
2nd Row: Tennant, Shaffer, Pirtle
3rd Row: Bill Parks, Grubbs, Bliss
4th Row: Gottron, Zaborowski, Trawick
5th Row: Price, Bell
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Jack Farrington and Bill Parks (1952 Mortar
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Ted Perritt and Bill Parks (Plebe Hike 1951)
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A year at USMA Prep School at Stewart Field and four years at West Point; through it all Bill was a special friend and, as I look back, the first image that comes to mind is Bill with a great big smile and mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He had a wonderful sense of humor, especially if the joke was on him. Bill also epitomized the Southern gentleman with a combination of culture, gentility, determination, and great strength of character. Except for a couple of letters we exchanged a few years ago, we had no contact after graduation, but it was comforting to know that he was there. I had hoped we'd see each other at our class' upcoming 50th reunion Unfortunately, that won't happen. I'll just have to wait for the ultimate reunion but, in the interim, I will miss him. Roy Thorsen February 10, 2005) I didn't know Bill well while we were Cadets, but he was in the Company next door (D-1). I hadn't seen him much of him, if at all, since we graduated, but I do remember his smiling face and pleasant disposition. You have to look up some of your Classmates to remember what thay looked like as Cadets, but not in his case. Rest in peace, dear Classmate, you earned it. Dan Dugan (E-1) February 10, 2005) Bill was one of those classmates that I had not seen since graduation. Yet I got reports on his activities. In the early days after commissioning, I could count on Lou Tebodo, his trusted D-1 friend, for info and in Bill's later years, Charlie Johnson, his fellow Mississippian, gave status reports. Charlie always brought great words of Bill's personal courage and grace as he fought his terrible disease. As you join those numbers of the Long Grey Line that meets with us in ghostly assemblage, Bill, know that we'll be thinking of and will toast you at our 50th. James E. Drummond February 11, 2005) Bill and I go way back when I was 17 and he was a ruddy 21. We were at Stewart Field then and since he was from Mississippi as my father, I took to him in friendship and as my mentor. He was a wonderful friend and companion as graced Ryan's 106 Club and other haunts in Newburgh and in every way I looked to him. I was lucky when at last we entered West Point he was in D-1 just around the corner from me and we saw each other as before. When we graduated we lost touch except for an occasional phone call. I called him about a year ago urging him to come to the Class Reunion but failing health even then prohibited his travel. I'm sure he made it to the other side where we will meet again. Sadly, Tommy:) TOMMY WEST February 11, 2005) As two of the "old men" of the class, Bill and I shared many interesting observations of military life. When I visited him the last time in Louisville, we spent an evening of reminiscences and some fine wine. That is the way I'll remember Bill. Always happy and always a gentleman. Bob Deardorff February 12, 2005) Upon arriving at USMA Prep in September 1950) a fellow dressed in an Army uniform walked up to me and said, "Welcome to the Prep School. I'm Bill Parks." This was a much different welcome to Stewart Field in comparison to previous welcomes, Basic at Lackland AFB and Radio Mechanics School at Scott AFB. Bill had no Army chevrons on his sleeve but some funny type of arm band. Of course, he was in a position of authority but I did not know this at the time. To me, he was just Bill Parks. Over the next nine months he became a close and trusted friend. Big mistake on Bill's part, he introduced me to Ryan's 106 Club. Prior to this time I was a non-drinker. He helped to make the Prep School an enjoyable experience. After we entered West Point we both went our different ways but continued to keep in touch. After graduation our paths diverged even more. We kept in touch by phone several times over the years. Bill called me about 2 years ago renewing old times and I discovered that he was in failing health, particularly his eyesight. Several months before his death he called once again for another rehash of our good times spent together. He didn't mention his health problems. Ruthie and I meant to drive over to see Bill but we did not seem to find the time. I will always regret that we failed to make the short trip to Mississippi. I had no idea he was near death. Rest in peace old friend. Ron Rule March 8, 2005) Billy Parks was my cousin. I did not know he died or even where he was located since I left Louisville, Mississippi. I hope someone will e-mail more information. Thanks, Billy Trest 2654 Sam Gray Road Meridian, MS 39301 June 26, 2005) |
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