John A. Parks Jr.

IRVINGTON, Ala. - John Albert Parks Jr., died Dec. 23, 2008, in his home in Irvington. He was born March 9, 1930, on the island of Fishing Creek, to Mamie B. Simmons Parks and John Albert Parks Sr. Albert joined the U.S. Navy Nov. 26, 1951, and served aboard the USS Sicily as a Second Class Petty Officer/Machinist's Mate. He received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After his discharge, he later returned to the Navy as Ready Active Reserve with the Sea Bees. Albert was an avid hunter, carpenter, waterman, boat builder, machinist, and master welder (Jack of all trades). He opened his own machine shop, where he took care of the needs of the local watermen, as well as large machinery. He designed and built crab cookers for many of the local crab factories, and some which were shipped out-of-state. Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Mamie B. Simmons Parks and John Albert Parks Sr.; and an infant daughter, Mary Ann Parks. He is survived by his wife, Margarita J. Lobera Parks of Irvington; his daughter, Janice Parks of Cambridge, Md.; his son, Johnny and wife Joanie Parks of Fishing Creek, Md.; his grandson, Josh and wife Kelly Parks of Cambridge, Md.; and grandson, Joey Parks of Fishing Creek, Md. A short Memorial Service will be held at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veteran's Cemetery near Hurlock at noon on Friday.