David Lester Parks (Dave) was born in 1946, and passed away unexpectedly on March 29, 2023, after a short illness (COVID). He was 76 years old and lived in Adairsville, Georgia. Dave was born in Atlanta, Georgia and lived in many states and in Germany during his childhood years, as his father was career Army and the family moved often.

After attending Cross Keys High School in Chamblee, Georgia, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1965 until 1969. He worked with the Army Security Agency as a Morse Code interceptor, spending nearly two and half years working in Vietnam and Okinawa, Japan, and then stateside at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts.

After leaving the Army, he stayed in the Boston area for a few years and started a Pottery Studio. Fun fact about Dave – he really did go to Woodstock! All they had to eat for several days was a few sandwiches, but the music was fantastic!

Dave moved to Missouri to study graphic design at the Kansas City Art Institute. He had an amazing artistic talent, working in many mediums.  During his career, he had a pottery studio, and a graphic design company, and particularly enjoyed designing t-shirts for special events. The t-shirts were much loved by the recipients, as his sense of humor was often incorporated into the designs. Dave also worked for Vanguard Airlines in the IT area maintaining their networks and traveling to their various hubs.  After moving to Georgia, he worked for a few years for a carpet company, using his photographic skills to market their products online.

While living in Kansas City he began skydiving as a hobby. He attained the Jumpmaster designation with the U.S. Parachute Association, which he maintained for several years.

Dave was thankful to return to the rolling hills of north Georgia and live with his father and stepmother in his retirement. During his retirement, he loved working with wood and engraving metal, using methods and finishes used by American pioneers.

Dave was predeceased by his father, James T. Parks, his mother, Willonell C. Parks, and his sister Patricia Ann Parks, and his former wife, Rafaelle Thompson. He is survived by his son, Nate Thompson Weaver, his sister, Sherry Vallee, his nephew, Christopher Vallee and his stepmother, Jean Parks.

Memorial services will be held Monday April 17, 2023, at 10:30AM from the chapel of Barton Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Georgia National Cemetery, Canton with military honors at 12:30PM.

The family will receive friends Monday from 9:30AM until 10:30AM at Barton Funeral Home.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for David Lester Parks.