Harold was born June 29, 1926 in Madison County, Kentucky to the late Richard Fowler and Lucy Jones Parks. During his service to our country, Mr. Parks was on active duty in the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Mr. Parks achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) and retired in 1967. CPO Parks continued his service to the country and retired as a civil service employee at POMFLANT, Charleston in 1987.

Mr. Parks was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Nina Stoudenmire Parks. He is survived by three daughters: Nina Zoe Parks of New York, New York, Stacie Story (Keith) of Edisto Island, and Ruby Carswell of Simpsonville. One brother, Clay Parks, two sisters: Lucy Reams and Mary Lee Webb. Nine grandchildren: Zachary Story (Robin), Landon Story, Adam Story (Lauryn), Emily Thornton (Parker), Taylor Silvey, Caleb Silvey (Melissa), Hannah Silvey, Zoe Grace Taylor and Nina Frances Taylor, two great grandchildren, Ruthie Hayes Thornton and Henryk Huxley Story; one brother in law, Charles Stoudenmire (Sandy) and sister in law, Ruby Crayden, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Parks was preceded in death by seven brothers: John, Ed, Gene, Paul, Andrew, Mariel and Charles; and three sisters, Ann Christen, Ethelene Cahill, and Sue Slagle.

Mr. Parks was an active member of First Baptist Church of Goose Creek until he moved to the Veteran's Victory House in 2017. He served as Sunday School Director, Chairman of the Deacons and a greeter at First Baptist. He had a passion for others coming to Christ. He had an outgoing personality and an equal sense of humor; both of which he shared with family, friends, congregation, and strangers. He was the king of corny dad jokes and loved speaking to everyone in Italian and Swahili. He and his wife were instrumental in starting new church plants in the tri-county area, one of which was Crowfield Baptist Church in Goose Creek. He loved to garden and grow camellias. He was known for his strong work ethic, his love for his wife, daughters and grandchildren and his love for his country as he volunteered as a poll worker in every election that he was able. He volunteered at Bonnie Doone Conference Center working on the home, grounds, and gardens for the Charleston Baptist Association. One of his hobbies included making wooden canes for the elderly and "Jesus sticks" out of cedar wood from the Bonnie Doone plantation. In retirement, he served as a Volunteer Mission Service Corps missionary along with his wife to Kenya, Romania, Rio de Janeiro, and various locations in the United States. To the staff at the Veteran's Victory House and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Harold's daughters would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the love, care and dignity given to their father. In lieu of flowers, friends and families can make donations to Veteran's Victory House (Lyons unit) in honor of our loving dad.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 26, 2020 at Carolina Memorial Park located at 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406. 843-797-2222.