George "Papaw George" Parks

The family of “Papaw George” Parks will hold a celebration of life for him on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 11:00 at Gateway Church in Lauderdale, with Brother Ben Jones officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Parks, age 86, of Lauderdale passed away on August 25, 2025.

George was born on July 30, 1939 in Plum Branch, South Carolina. He graduated from McCormick High School. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy, honorably serving on the Kitty Hawk, and retiring after 20 years of service. George was proud to be a Veteran and loved to share about his military service. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for the United States Postal Service from which he also retired. On September 2, 1965, he married the love of his life, Virginia Sue. Together, they raised three children. He was an active member of the Dalewood Community where he was affectionately known as “Papaw George.” He was well known for his southern greetings. He also was a member of Gateway Church of Lauderdale. George was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and especially teaching his grandchildren to fish; he enjoyed sharing with his family about his trips out west with his good friends. He was an active papaw, always supporting his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Sue Parks; children, Rhonda Brown (Chubby), Sammy Charles Long, and Beverly Simmons (Ricky); grandchildren, Mark Brown (Susan), Tracy Ingram (Scott), Heather Jones (Ben), and Dusty Simmons (Ashley); great-grandchildren, Makayla Casselman, Cody Ingram, Kyle Ingram (Abigail), Chasity Simmons, John Benny Jones, Ty Jones, Carter Simmons, Caitlyn Simmons, and Ella Grace Jones; great great-grandchild, Jameson Woods; siblings, Podgy Parks (Vira) and Demp Parks (Carloyn); his fur-baby, Penny-poo; and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Blanche Parks; a great great-grandson, James Woods; sister, Betty McConnell; and his brother, Donnie Parks.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Gateway Church of Lauderdale at P.O. Box 5, Lauderdale, MS 39335.

The family will receive guests from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church on Thursday.