Billy Ray Parks

Services for Billy Ray Parks, 70, of Tyler, will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sam Fisher and Rev. James Dill officiating. Burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Bill Parks, passed away Wednesday, November13, 2013 in Dallas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 27, 1943 in Meridian, Texas to J.T., Jr. and Mary Bullard Parks. Bill graduated from Cleburne High School in 1962 where he loved and enjoyed playing football. He continued his love for football at North Texas State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree; he then received his Masters of Education at Stephen F. Austin University. Bill loved teaching and mentoring students throughout his career. His passion in life was coaching and he was very proud to be a part of the 1973 John Tyler varsity football coaching staff that led their team to a state championship. Bill changed lives everywhere he went, beginning in high school and all throughout his life and career. Fun, loving, compassionate and forgiving are just some of the many attributes that describe such a wonderful man. Late in life Bill found the love of his life, Cathy. God gave them 16 years together and a love for each other that will forever be cherished. Bill loved his family and family was the most important thing to him. Bill gave and gave of himself and truly had the biggest heart of anyone; may we all follow his example. A great man will be forever loved and missed. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving family including his wife Cathy Parks of Tyler; children, Holli Scelsi and husband Paul of Plano, Kelli Shotts of Mesquite and Brad Shotts and wife Amy of Mansfield; siblings, Robert Parks and wife Janis of Liberty Hill and Jackie Parks and wife MaryAnn of Cleburne; and grandchildren, Stella Scelsi, Braylee Shotts and Blaine Shotts. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Phil Hall, Elvin Fisk, Marshall Burkett, David Fisk, Andrew Fisk, Brandon Fisk, Brad Sims and Blaine Shotts. Honorary pallbearers will be former classmates of Cleburne High School class of 1962 and life-long friend Robert Finkley. Visitation is scheduled from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, November 15, 2013 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. If desired, memorials may be made to PATH, 402 W. Front St., Tyler, 75702.

Billy Ray Parks

October 27, 1943 - November 13, 2013