Mr. Robert D. Parks, age 89 of Ellijay, GA, passed away on Sunday, August 9th, 2026.

Mr. Parks was born on April 7th, 1937, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to the late Floyd Parks and the late Evelyn Regland Parks. He proudly served our nation in the United States Navy.

Mr. Parks was well known in the Ellijay community through his work at Ace Hardware, where he operated the small engine repair shop. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ellijay. In his spare time, he enjoyed cheering on the Atlanta Braves, watching NASCAR, and he especially loved eating chocolate.

Mr. Parks will be remembered for his service to his country, his many years of hard work, and the simple things in life that brought him joy.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Parks is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mrs. Mary Wanda Parks, and brother, Floyd E. Parks.

Robert is survived by his children and spouses, Alyce (Rodney) Hinrichs of Nebraska, Rob D. Parks of Ellijay, GA, Peggie (Brian) Osmanski of Iowa, Debbie (Ralph) Hoffmann of Pennsylvania, Julie (Tim) Merglowski of Pennsylvania, Robert Welt of North Carolina, Valarie Welt of North Carolina, Jonathan (Jennifer) Jenkins of Virginia, and Joshua (Melissa) Jenkins of Colorado; sister, Betty Zurich of Florida, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mr. Parks will be held on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the First Baptist Church of Ellijay with Joshua Jenkins and Rev. Emuel Sanford officiating. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Elijah Jenkins, Kell Grant, Jacob Moore, Rob Parks, Richard Henry, and Jimmy Henry. Honorary pallbearers will be: John Williamson and George Winn.

Mr. Parks will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The United States Navy will render final military rites. The funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 12:00 p.m., noon.

Mr. Parks will lie-in-state at the First Baptist Church of Ellijay on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

The family respectfully asks that no food and flowers be brought to the funeral home. In lieu of these, memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons International Foundation in memory of Mr. Robert D. Parks.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements.