RAY DEAN PARKS

Ray Dean Parks passed away Sept. 10, 2021. His funeral service will be held Sunday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m. at True Vine Doxa Center, 917 S. Fairway in Fairfield. Pastor Michael Daniels Sr. will officiate and be the eulogist. Burial will follow at Fairfield Baptist Cemetery in Fairfield.

Ray was born on Aug. 11, 1952, to Lacy and Willie Parks Davis. Ray and his lifelong companion, Thelma Palmer, were together 26 years and raised four children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lacy and Willie Parks Davis.

His loving survivors include his lifelong companion, Thelma Palmer; son Sampson Palmer (Melissa) of Waco; three daughters, Detra Talley (Justin) of Atlanta, Ga., LaTosha Palmer (friend Reggie Mack) of Waco, Erica McKinzie (Alfred) of Waco; nine grandchildren: seven grandsons, Danacion, Keyon, Johnny, Keywanm, Omarris, Jaden and Tyree; and two grand-daughters, Nyesha Phillips and Raven; siblings Minister Donald (Janice) Parks of Teague, Donnell (Linda) Davis of Temple, Joe Davis of Fairfield, Michael (Catenia) Davis of Groesbeck, Nellie Parks of Dallas, Charlene (Joe) King of Dallas, Sherry Parhm of Corsicana, and Juliana Jackson (Corlis) of Fort Worth; aunt Mavis Hunt; special niece Renee Parks; two sisters-in-law, Hester Carprew and Judy Alexander; four brothers-in-law, Sammy Palmer, Willie Palmer, David Palmer and Jerry Palmer; special friend and brother David Brackens Sr. ; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Pearly Gates Funeral Home.