Russell Vance Parks, 87, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the N.C. State Veteran’s Home in Salisbury.

Vance was born on June 25, 1937, in Iredell County to the late William Jetter Parks and Rettie Mitchell Parks. After high school, he proudly served active duty in the US Navy from 1955-1958, and then transferred to Reserves, where he continued to serve until 1963. He was employed at Burlington Industries for more than 20 years.

Vance loved Southern Gospel Music, traveling with his beloved wife Wanda, and their friends. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he especially loved holiday gatherings, Thanksgivings with the family at the beach, and Parks family reunions.

In addition to his parents, Vance was preceded in death by brothers, Bill Parks, Dean Parks (Joyce), and J.C. Parks; sisters, Mozelle Mahaffey (Vander), Polly Gregory (O.C.), Sue Davis (John), and Betty Campbell (Jay); and brothers-in-law, Jim Eidson, Harold Stinson (Iva), and Lawrence Stinson (Irene).

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Wanda Stinson Parks; sons Roger Parks (Kelly) of N. Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Ron Parks (Susan) of Cornelius; granddaughters, Katy Gerald (Kurt), Maison Parks and Rachel Parks; grandson, Adam Parks; great-grandchildren, Kellen, Kali and Kyla Gerald; sister, Rovena Eidson; sister-in-law, Jewel Travis; brother-in-law, Walter Stinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at Beulah Baptist church with Rev. Darren Johnson officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 1:30 until 3 p.m. A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 7, at Iredell Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, 1851 Old Mountain Road, Statesville, NC 28677.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Parks family.