Obituary John B. Parks Pinehurst

John B. Parks, 84, of Pinehurst, NC. He passed surrounded by his loving family on December 31, 2020. 

Beloved Husband of Sylvia (Cocce’) Parks, loving father of Andrew (Linda) Parks of Bridgewater, and Mary Parks of Pinehurst, NC.

Born in Brighton Mass, he was the son of the late Gordon M. and G. Mary Parks and brother to the Late Milton Parks.  

John spent most of his summers as a child growing up with his family on the beach in Marshfield, Ma.

Upon graduation from St. Columbkille High School in Boston, John enlisted in the United States Airforce where he worked his way through the ranks.  Upon leaving active duty John attended Wentworth Institute in Boston and began his career.

He soon married the love of his life Sylvia and after a few years of marriage decided to make Old Rexhame Beach their permanent home.  

His 42-year career included executive positions with several Military contractors including General Dynamics, GTE and  Raytheon Missile Systems Division.  

John traveled around the globe overseeing project testing for such projects as the Submarine based Polaris missile, Land Based Minuteman ICBM Missile, The Hawk Guided Missile,  Fighter activated Sidewinder, missile, Ship Launched Sea Sparrow and The Mobile Patriot Missile System.  

He had long-standing relationships with his counterparts in allied nations as well as with the US Army and The United States Airforce where he served for several years in Strategic Air Command (8th AF) under General Curtis Lemay.  

While returning home from trips abroad, all focus was on his family and his many friends in Marshfield.  

John coached Marshfield Youth Hockey for several years as well as being the Scoutmaster of Troop 101. 

In addition to his career, his extended family and friends, John found one of his greatest achievements to be that of having 22 of his Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle.

Upon retirement, John and Sylvia added the final chapter of their lives by relocating to the Village of Pinehurst, NC.   

Their door has been always open to friends and family. 

They often found themselves being honored by the help they gave in kind to several local active-duty military families.

As members of the Pinehurst Country Club, they both attended and worked the Men’s and Women’s US Open events.

John became a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club, attained the 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.

John helped many in their time of need touching the hearts of many great friends and family along the way.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Pinehurst, NC on Wednesday, Jan 6 at 10 a.m.

Donations can be made to the FirstHealth Hospice House 150 Applecross Rd. Pinehurst, NC 28374.

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