Thomas Parks, age 78, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. He was born on May 25, 1948, to Wanda White Parks and the late Thomas Ervin Parks in Gainesville.

In addition to his father, Thomas was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Ann McCormack Parks; his daughter and son-in-law, Cheri and Danny Hayes; his sister and brother-in-law, Emily and Gary Maloney; and his brother-in-law, Stanley Hamilton.

He is survived by his mother, Wanda White Parks; his children, Mike and Denitia McGuire of Bogart, and Kimberly and Kevin Fox of Newton, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Michael and Liz Hayes, Mark Hayes, Mitchell Hayes, Talya McGuire, Michael McGuire, Myla Pulliam, and Avery Pulliam; and his sisters, Darla and Roy Adams and Tricia Hamilton. He also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives.

Tom proudly served in the United States Navy for 4 years with Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) on the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) as an Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he continued serving in the Navy Reserves for 14 years with the Green Falcons, VA-205 at Naval Air Station Atlanta, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He received numerous medals and commendations. He was deeply proud of his service to his country throughout his life.

Tom retired after working for 20 years at General Motors in Doraville as a welder/trouble-shooter.

He was a true craftsman who could build just about anything and seemed to have a knack for fixing whatever needed fixing. He was hardworking by nature and took great pride in the things he could make with his own two hands. He especially enjoyed spending time outdoors and on the farm. He loved learning and reading about history and genealogy.

Those who knew Tom will remember him as a social man who knew a tremendous number of people and never met a stranger. He loved a good conversation, and was known for his humor and quick wit. His ability to make people laugh and his unmistakable personality will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends at the of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home from 12:00pm until 3:00pm on Saturday, October 3rd. A service will be held at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in the cemetery of Wahoo Baptist Church, Murrayville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lumpkin County Military Museum. Those donations may be made send to American Legion Post 239, 132 Legion Road, Dahlonega, Georgia, 30533, earmarked for "Veterans Museum"

To share a memory or leave condolences for the family, please visit Mr. Parks' online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home 2068 Highway 19 North Dahlonega, GA 30533