John Gary Parks, Jr.

John Gary Parks, Jr., better known as Gary, G, or Big Guy, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.  He was born in Easton on August 5, 1954 to the late Johnnie Gary Parks, Sr. and Margaret Johnson Parks.

Gary graduated from Queen Anne’s County High School class of 1972.  On November 9, 1990, he married the former Patricia Ann Besece.  For many years, Gary owned and operated several businesses, mainly his pride and joy, J.G. Parks and Son in Mardela Springs, with which he was a diesel specialist.  He had a special love for drag racing, travelling all over the country to watch.  Gary was thought of as a father figure to so many, and he always had an ear to listen to anyone.  His family was always most important to him, and he had a special love for his grandchildren.  He would often be seen riding around in his white minivan with his German shepherd Moka riding shotgun.  Gary enjoyed all of the relationships he made throughout the years through his business, and found many of them to become close friends.  He had recently found a love for antiquing, and had plans to retire with his wife to antique together.

Gary was a member of the National Hot Rod Association, the National Rifle Association, and Ducks Unlimited.  He was always very supportive of several local fire departments and many other organizations.

Gary is survived by his wife Patty Parks of Mardela Springs; his son John Gary Parks III and his wife Tina of Salisbury; his daughter Michele Raymes and her husband Matt of Stedman, NC; his grandchildren Jack and Declan Parks, and Madison and Dillon Raymes; his beloved German shepherd Moka, as well as numerous close friends, cousins, and extended family.

Pallbearers will be Glennie White, Johnny Stubbs, Benny Parks, Dave Foxwell, Joe Littleton, Mark Henry, Homer King, and Steve Abbott.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge at 1 PM with Pastor Steve Bloodsworth officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, as well as one hour prior to the service on Thursday.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Easton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent either to your local fire department, or to the Coastal Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.