Ross L. Parks

Asheville - Ross L. Parks, 90, of Asheville, died April 22, 2011 at Deerfield Skilled Nursing facility. He was an Asheville native, born in Biltmore Hospital, the son of Claude H. Parks and Madelon E. Parks (Todd). Dr. Parks is survived by his wife, Priscilla N. Parks, whom he married in 2000 after renewing their high school romance. He is also survived by his son, Thomas Parks, his daughter, Jean Parks, and her husband, Arthur Grand. Also surviving are his brother, Howard Parks, his sister, Claudia Ferrell, and his step-daughters and their families who welcomed him with open hearts: Bobbi Whitmire, Nancy Jones, Judy Bohan and Kathy Zwingert. He enjoyed his nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Dr. Parks was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Moore Parks, his daughter, Betsy Rosenberg, son-in-law, Ed Rosenberg, and his brother, Henry Parks. Dr. Parks graduated from Black Mountain High School, Castle Heights Military Academy and Davidson College before serving in the Army in WWII. He fought in the European Theatre, was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart. With the help of the GI Bill, Parks earned a doctorate in chemistry at UNC. He worked in textiles manufacturing for American Enka and then for Monsanto Co. in Decatur, AL. His last assignment for Monsanto was at Mound Laboratories near Dayton, OH. He served in the Army Reserves, primarily in medical education, and reached the rank of Lt. Colonel. He retired to Asheville in 1986. Dr. Parks was a life-long Episcopalian. After the death of his daughter, he worked with his wife, Betty, to provide support for other parents of homicide victims. He was active in the Men's Garden Club of Asheville. His family and friends appreciated his intelligence, curiosity and sense of humor. Dr. Parks made an effort to respond to his caregivers with respect and gratitude. The family deeply appreciates the competent and tender care of the staff of Deerfield and CarePartners Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 10:30 AM at St. Giles Chapel of the Deerfield Retirement Community. Memorials in Dr. Parks' name may be made to the Deerfield Residency Fund, 1617 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 or to CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.