Johnny Cash Parks

Johnny C. Parks was born in Sargent, Texas on February 11, 1938, through the union of James Parks, Sr. and Jessie Mae Williams.

At a very young age he taught himself to read by reading the Bible. As a young man, he accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized.

Johnny Parks loved the Word of God and was ordained in 1958 as a minister. He graduated from Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, majoring in Biblical studies. Also, he was the student campus minister. Because he loved the Word of God, he became a gospel preacher and preached for many congregations throughout the brotherhood. He attended Southern University in Baton Rouge majoring in Political Science. He had a certificate in mental retardation.

He is the founder and author of Last Days, Last Message, Last Chance Ministry, and a pamphlet entitled: “What Does it Cost to Obey God?”. He quoted, “As all writers must expect, some readers will, and do not agree with everything written and read. I must say to you as I would. To any reader, I am not writing this book to or for friends, but to the world. I accept your disagreement and questionable perceptions.”  Note: Although the book was written, it was never published.

Johnny Parks served in the military, United States Army, and traveled both in and out of the United States. He also worked for the police department, and for a State Prison in Angola as a Chaplain. Johnny Parks stated that while he served as a chaplain for the Louisiana State Prison, he reported on disrespect for inmates; witnessed brutality; and, that the men were not treated like humans. He stated that his report of this was ignored by government officials and that his passion for the inmates eventually cost him his job.

Dad was very intelligent, had a good tenor voice, a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that radiated the room. Even in his ailment, he was aware of current events especially sports like the Dallas Cowboys and the Mavericks. He had many hobbies such as playing the harmonica, guitar, tennis, gardening, speaking and reading Spanish and reading the Holy Bible. His collection of books are his personal treasures.

Those who preceded him in death are Lee Parks, Sr./grandfather; Patsy Boone Parks/grandmother; James Parks Sr./father; Jessie Mae Williams Parks/mother; Benjamin Williams Sr./grandfather; Angel West Williams/grandmother. Eight siblings: Lloyd (Josephine Mitchell) Parks, Sr., Eugene (Bernadine) Parks; Herman (Ollie Jean Taylor) Parks; Margaret (Jim White, Sr.) Parks; Ruby Mae Parks (John) Simmons; Andrew Lee (Tommie Mae Gaskin) Parks; James Parks, Jr.

He has one living sister, Iris Pearl Parks (Osie) Combs.

He married Carolyn Hamilton Parks and together having three daughters, Victoria (Murk) Thomas, Antoinette Parks, and Candace Woodson. Additionally, he has a daughter Temeisha McArthur and a son Jade McArthur. He has nineteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

 As Johnny’s health declined, Reni Perales (his caregiver whom he loved) took loving care of him. What joy he expressed when he saw his children and grandchildren for the last time. Yes, Johnny Parks had a rocky life with apologetic mistakes. However, he was not afraid of death and was ready to be with the Lord. It is not how you start life that matters... it’s how you end it!

He was able to worship and commune on his last Sunday singing “The Old Ship of Zion”. As Johnny slowly transitioned, he responded to Psalm 1 and Psalm 23 as it was read to him. The nurse remarked that Johnny’s transition was a peaceful passing as his sister Iris witnessed his eyes opened, focused, and hands reaching as the angel took him.

Dad could quote scriptures and he would say, “There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1

Dad, you will be sorely missed. You were loved. Thank you for sharing the gospel. We thank God for you in letting us know HIM through His Word. No more pain. We will see you again Dad someday soon.

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