Eugene Parks

Mancel Eugene (Gene) Parks, 71, of Jonesboro, passed away Wednesday evening in his home.

Gene was born July 8, 1936, to Luna and Mancel Albert Parks near Marked Tree. He had one sister, Jeanette. All of who are deceased. He lived 10 years in West Memphis and 10 years in Little Rock before returning to Jonesboro in 1993

Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Jeni Hancock Parks, his son’s family, Mancel Bradley Parks, Stacy Rutledge Parks; Grandchildren, Mancel Jordan Parks and his fiancée Sarah Jones, and Ethan Rutledge Parks; one niece, Diane Gibbs and one nephew, David Baugh.

Gene Parks loved this life and loved people. His “family’ included practically everyone that he ever got a chance to know.

He was and is a Christian who was proud to serve, while his health permitted, as the Chairman of Deacons at Nettleton Baptist Church. He was also a former Board Member of the Salvation Army, and a member of the Optimist Club.

Gene worked for J.A. Riggs Tractor Company for almost 40 years. He began as a 19 year old janitor and, through hard work and a gracious management, served in many leadership capacities until his retirement just over 10 years ago. He was quick to tell anyone just how good Riggs was to him and his family.

Gene continued to work “on his terms” after retirement through managing the family rental properties and real estate. He also loved to fish and duck hunt with friends and family, and beat as many people as he could playing pool, horseshoes, cards, checkers, or any other activity. He could stand to lose, but really preferred to win and then remind you about it (smile).

Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10:00 at Nettleton Baptist Church with Rev. Harold Ray and Dr. Stan Ballard officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Log Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers include: Bill Estell, Jim Isbell, Dale Miller, Don Hancock, Claude Harp, Gary Meadows, Bob Mooneyham and Ed Watson.

Honorary pallbearers include: Herbert Blalock, Hubert Brodell, members of the Bay High School Class of 1956, and the CED-4 Sunday School Class at Nettleton Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held Sunday evening, 6-8:30, at Emerson Funeral Home.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Nettleton Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 2415, Jonesboro, AR 72402.

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