Kenneth Joe Parks Jr.

Kenneth Joe Parks Jr., 64, of Salem, Va., peacefully left this life and went to be with the Lord Thursday, October 19, 2023. Kenny was born April 5, 1959, in Wytheville Va. to the late Kenneth Joe Parks Sr., and Alice McHone Parks. He was preceded in death by his son, Taylor Dixon Parks and mother-in-law, Alta Hughes Dixon, as well as extended family members, Coy and Nina McHone, Robert and Agnes Parks, Ardith Artie and Warren Thompson, Peggy Hixson Tompkins, Brenda Hixson Frazier. Wayne Parks, and Bobby Parks. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Alicia Parks; sons, Josh Parks (Christina) and Shane Parks (Katelyn), five grandchildren, Landen Archinal-Parks, Lucas, Lilly, Micah and Leland Parks; brother, Ronnie Parks; sister, Kecia Parks Wimmer and father-in-law, Fred Dixon. Additional family includes Linda Parks, Franklin and Margaret McHone, Ellen and Don Branscome, Linda McHone Spiker, Billy and Linda McHone and Marie and Loren Phillips as well as a host of cousins. Kenny was a former machinist at Salem Specialties and Gardner Denver. He then earned an associates degree from Dabney S. Lancaster in forestry. He spent many years working as a Project Manager at Plastic Fabricating Inc. When the boys were of age to play youth sports, you could find him at Green Hill Park either working on the grounds or in the concession stand, coaching or watching his boys play ball. He enjoyed his time being outdoors hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed yard work and working in the garden. He devoted his time to the Royal Ambassadors and was a Deacon in his time at Fort Lewis Baptist Church. Later, he attended West Salem Baptist Church. When his youngest son, Taylor, was sick with cancer and during the many years of deficits from the illness, Kenny could always be found sitting close and letting Taylor know how well he was loved. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem, with Pastor Nick Shaffer officiating. Family and friends are welcome to come together for a time of visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow the service in Sherwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make memorial contributions to the charity of their choice where he will be honored. The family would like to thank the many nurses and doctors who cared for Kenny over the years and during his hospitalizations. Also, special thanks to the staff at Medi Hospice who assisted him in quality of life towards the end of his journey. Service Details. Visitation When Monday, October 23rd, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Service When Monday, October 23rd, 2023 2:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Interment When Monday, October 23rd, 2023 2:00pm Location Sherwood Memorial Park Address 1250 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153