Leon Parks

View Funeral Webcast Freddie Leon Parks, 87, former long-time resident of Columbia, died Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Belvedere Commons in Franklin. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols with Rev. Tommy Vann and Barbara Johnston officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors at graveside provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10001 or First United Methodist Church, 222 West 7th Street, Columbia 38401. Notes of condolence may be sent to oakesandnichols.com. The Moore County native was born October 3, 1925 in the Lois Community, son of the late Sam Parks and Katye Reed Parks. He grew up on a farm in Bedford County and attended Shelbyville High School. A true student-athlete, he excelled in sports, having played varsity football, baseball, basketball, and track. At graduation in 1944, he received the school's Mathematics Award and Athletic Medal. Immediately following graduation, he joined the U. S. Navy and served aboard the USS Philadelphia as a Quartermaster during World War II. His ship had the honor of escorting President Truman to the Potsdam Peace Talks. Following military service he entered Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville where he majored in Agriculture and Mathematics and graduated in the Class of 1950. He was then hired by the Tennessee Farm Bureau to start their Data Processing Department. He was employed there until he was approached by Monsanto Company to head their Computer Department. His association continued with Monsanto until the plant closed in the late 1980s and he began his retirement. Mr. Parks was a long-time, faithful member of First United Methodist Church and Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. He coached baseball and softball for a number of years. Survivors include his wife, the former Maude Elizabeth Winnette, whom he married January 19, 1951; daughter and son-in-law, Kay Parks & George McClellan of Franklin, son, David Parks of Greenville, Texas; daughter, Gayle Parks of Dalton, Georgia; grandsons, Chad McClellan and Michael (Kathleen) McClellan; great-granddaughters, Caroline Crockett McClellan and Jamison Marie McClellan, both of Franklin; brother, Dr. Leonard (Erma) Parks of Clemson, South Carolina; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Robbie Parker and brother, Dr. Lawrence Parks. Active pallbearers are Chad McClellan, Michael McClellan, Sam Parker, Howard Parker, Paul Young, and Harold Meador. Honorary pallbearers will include the Ayres-Whitney Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church.