Walter Ray Parks

After several months of declining health, Walter Ray Parks of Dallas was called home to heaven on July 23, 2022.  

Born February 14, 1950 to Frances Vivian Wilson of Oak Cliff, Walter loved fishing at Lake Cliff Park.  He joined the Navy so he could see the world and from there became a bit of a hustler—a jack of all trades.  He was a truck driver, sold lawnmowers and Dearborn heaters but he had knack for fixing and selling cars.  It was that wheelin’ and dealin’ charm—he just knew how to get things done. When Hurricane Katrina hit, Walter helped pack RVs filled with supplies and drove to New Orleans to help NBC News stay on air. 

Later in life, Walter found Christ and wasn’t afraid to share the good word. He had a larger than life personality with a laugh that won’t be forgotten. He could draw a crowd with one of his many stories. 

Beating cancer in 2016, he was a fighter. Driving himself to chemo and radiation he kept his sense of humor and didn’t let it get him down.  

Walter loved his girls. He was married to Toni for nearly 44 years. His greatest joy was his daughter Eva and becoming M’Pa Emmy Cunningham.  

Walter put the needs of others above his own. It was fitting he was born on Valentine’s Day as he had the biggest heart and would spend his last dime helping someone even a stranger in need. To honor Walter, consider doing a random act of kindness and pay it forward. He will be missed dearly.