Billy Ellis Parks

Billy Ellis Parks obituary, Pinole, CA

Billy Ellis Parks

Billy Parks Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 7, 2025.
Billy Ellis Parks, age 83, passed away with his daughter by his side on August 13, 2025, in Pinole, California. Born on September 21, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to George and Ruby Parks and spent time growing up between Oklahoma and Arizona.

At age 17, Billy served in the U.S. Navy stationed in Alameda, California aboard the USS Ranger. His time in the service reflected his courage and commitment-qualities that would define much of his life.

In 1961 Billy married Mary Ellen with whom he shared 64 years of marriage with love and family devotion. Together they raised two children, Shawn and Sandra. He was also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Billy, Trevor, Carly and Shane, as well as an uncle to two nieces and four nephews.

Billy began his professional career as an auto mechanic with a four-year apprenticeship at Boas Pontiac in San Francisco. His dedication and skill led him to McNevin Cadillac in Berkeley, where he worked for two decades. Known for his mechanical expertise and work ethic, Billy took great pride in his craft and the relationships he built throughout his career.

Billy's passions extended far beyond the garage. He had a deep love for building classic cars and spent countless hours working on his prized 1923 Ford T-bucket Roadster. He enjoyed attending car shows and sharing stories with fellow enthusiasts...like the time he got up on 2 wheels while driving the Fire Chief up Betty Avenue in Pinole, just having a good time! Another hobby Billy loved was flying Ultra-Light airplanes alongside his best friend Lloyd Underhill-attending many air shows, a hobby that brought him great joy.

Throughout the years he also cherished trips to the Arizona desert making many memories with his family on the water with his beloved boat. Sandra (Sam) remembers flying high above a desert lake on " Trike go-karts with wings" each driving their own, waving and laughing together with her dad high in the sky... And Shawn dodging a huge tortoise as his dad taught him to drive in a dried-up riverbed in Tuscon, so many laughs were shared. Above all else, Billy found purpose and fulfillment through serving Jehovah. A devoted member of the Pinole Congregation Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, his strong faith and loving fellowship was a guiding force throughout his adult life. Learning the truth alongside Mary Ellen, they had the wonderful joy of being baptized together in July of 1969 at Dodger Stadium.

At the age of 26, Billy faced serious complications from surgery that resulted in lifelong critical medical challenges & severe pain daily! Despite these hardships, he remained inspirational to those around him through his unwavering strength and enduring sense of humor. His fun-loving spirit never waned; he met each day with courage and a smile.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, two children, four grandchildren, four nieces and nephews, brother-in-law Robert Marvin and aunt Fern Carroll. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Donald, Bruce, Raymond, Virgil and sister Linda.

His legacy lives on through those who knew him-as a man of faith, quiet strength, laughter, and love. May his memory bring comfort to all who were touched by his remarkable life. A Memorial Service will be held on October 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 645 San Pablo Ave, Pinole CA

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September 20, 2025

Timothy Ortiz posted to the memorial.

September 18, 2025

Celia Baig posted to the memorial.

September 17, 2025

William and Lessie Barnes posted to the memorial.

Timothy Ortiz

September 20, 2025

Amazing Brother. Seems like he lived such a full, exciting life. Can't wait to meet him in paradise. Jehovah be praised for that provision, and may we all be strengthened by our hope.

The Ortiz's Tim and Mary
English Littlerock Cong

Celia Baig

September 18, 2025

Our dear Brother always had a smile on his face, despite his long term health conditions, he was a positive man. He was loved by all! I look forward to seeing him in Paradise healthy, young and strong!

William and Lessie Barnes

September 17, 2025

We always appreciated Bro Parks and family. You welcomed us to the Pinole Congregation in 1977. One night our car did not start at the Kingdom Hall. Bro Parks and Mary Ellen stayed with us to help. He got us going and we realized that we needed a new battery. You were always kind and considerate. We cannot wait to see you again in Paradise.
William and Lessie Barnes

Jennette and family

September 17, 2025

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Charmell Hensley

September 13, 2025

I have fond memories of growing up with Bill. I would describe him as kind, friendly, and loving. He was a person who prioritized his relationship with Jehovah and deeply loved his family. I´m so joyful to have experienced the love and happiness he brought to others. He had a life well lived serving Jehovah, and I´m looking forward to seeing him again in paradise.

Melea Thorne

September 13, 2025

We loved uncle Billy. We had fun with him when we were young ones. I loved him very much and my heart goes out to the family. I can´t wait to see him in paradise and see him run, as he wanted to run in paradise

Jon Anderson

September 12, 2025

Billy Parks was one of my very best friends. I absolutely loved that man. He was like a big brother to me. We had some very deep and interesting conversations about everything from hot rods to our Heavenly Father, Jehovah.

The close relationship he enjoyed with Jehovah was amazing. He worked hard at trying to do what was pleasing in God's eyes. He and I had numerous visits speaking with individuals that would come into the Ala Mode Donut Shop down (and across) from the Pinole Valley High School. We made numerous visits with numerous contacts in the Pinole area to discuss the Bible's key message with them.

He was a devoted husband and father (and like a big brother to me).
Billy Parks was an amazing person!!

Shane whittle

September 11, 2025

My grandpa lived out in California, and even though I didn´t get the chance to talk with him much, he was still part of my family and my story. I´ll always be grateful for the life he lived and the roots he gave us. Today, I just want to honor him with respect and keep his memory alive."

Candi B

September 11, 2025

Wish I would´ve got to meet Billy but feel like I did because of how much Sam spoke about him as as well as shared many pictures and memories. She couldn´t have loved him any more than she did. She put her entire time effort and heart to keep on visiting him while he was sick.Along with driving hours back-and-forth to be by his side in support. When she found out he was near the end she dropped every single thing and flew over there and was able to spend his last moments with him. He passed in her arms, knowing how much his daughter was dedicated to him, and knowing that he was very much loved. Her dedication showed to the very end .

Lori

September 11, 2025

Only knew Billy through his loving daughter. Talked with him once on the phone. I have heard so many wonderful things about him. I know how he loved Jehovah. Can´t wait to welcome him back. His daughter will be waiting oh so eagerly. I am relieved to know he has won the race. Now his daughter will need support as this was her best friend. Jehovah provides.

Paul

September 11, 2025

Bill Parks has always been a big part of my life since I was a little boy I´ll never forget all the memories that I have that I treasure I love him like my own father. He treated me like his son. I can´t wait to see him again in the new system in a perfect body. He will be deeply missed and he was well loved by all that knew him since sincerely paul moffett.

Sici Lopez

September 11, 2025

What a beautiful life he had. Such beautiful words! Just a little while longer and you will be hugging him and hearing his laughter. May Jehovah help all his loved ones during this time and provide much needed strength. Love the Lopez and girls.

Ramon & Bobbie Cecena

September 11, 2025

Their will be many on the bridge of life waiting to welcome you back.

Rick and Jane Sweet

September 11, 2025

Bill Parks. Steady, smiling and friend to all. You would never know he was in pain because he was always positive. And he was that way with people too; always looking for the good. When someone is faithful to Jehovah and his organization for so many years, always there, always attending, and always helping...they leave a void. Bill Parks will surely be missed. I will be one of them.

Melanie Heck

September 10, 2025

We are going to miss Brother Parks so much. Loved talking to him at the meeting and visiting him at home. He was always encouraging to us

Loretta Siegrist

September 10, 2025

My heart goes out to the friends and family of Brother Bill Parks. With our beautiful hope Jesus promised us, we have so much to look forward to in God's Kingdom.

Shelly Motter

September 7, 2025

I was so sorry to hear of Bills passing. While I didn't know him closely, he has been a familiar presence for so many years, and I know how deeply he will be missed. My heart goes out to Sandy and Mary Ellen and the Parks family during this difficult time. I hope the love and memories you share bring you comfort and peace.

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Not sure what to say?

September 20, 2025

Timothy Ortiz posted to the memorial.

September 18, 2025

Celia Baig posted to the memorial.

September 17, 2025

William and Lessie Barnes posted to the memorial.