Robert Seay Parks

Robert Seay Parks, 91, owner and operator of Parks Motor Sales, died Saturday, April 29, 2023, at his residence in Columbia. Private family grave and masonic services will be conducted at Neapolis Cemetery with Houston Parks officiating. Military honors will be provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 from 5:00 P.M – 8:00 P.M. at Parks Motor Sales. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Columbia Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 281, Columbia, TN 38402. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born July 23, 1931, in Maury County, he was the son of the late Norman Alexander Parks and the late Lura Belle Lovell Parks. Mr. Parks served in the United States Army where he was Second Lieutenant. Mr. Parks graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Business degree and in 1958 began his career in the car business. He was the longest tendered membership of the Columbia Kiwanis Club for over 60 years and oldest active member of Columbia Masonic Lodge #31. Mr. Parks was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Ayers-Whitney Fellowship Sunday School Class. Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Julia Ruth Mays Parks of Columbia; daughters, Mary Ruth (Philip) Rogers of Columbia; Anne Lacey Lawrence of Columbia; grandchildren, Robert Edward (Natalie) Rogers of Columbia; James Philip (Kaitlyn) Rogers of Tullahoma; Michael Parks Lawrence of Columbia; Julia Ruth Lawrence of Columbia; great grandchildren, Caroline Brooke Rogers, Philip Clay Rogers, Ellie Kate Rogers, Charlotte Belle Rogers; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Parks Thomas; and brothers, Joe Parks and Jerry Parks. Family will serve as active pallbearers.