Stanley Edward "Pop" Parks, Sr., 91, of Columbia, died Monday, July 22, 2013. Born May 12, 1922 in Mamaroneck, NY, he was a son of the late Clifford Winfield and Katherine Ethel Broderick Parks. A US Army veteran of World War II, Stanley served in the 306th Infantry, 77th Division. He earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars, and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Battle Stars. Following his time in the military, he worked with the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 68 years, Helen Elizabeth Smith Parks; children, Stanley Edward Parks, Jr. of Virginia, Susan (Stan) Parks Frost, Shirley (Alan) Parks Patterson, all of Blythewood, SC, Sandra (Billy) Parks Tanner of Columbia, Sally Parks (Jim) Watkins of Pelion, SC, and Stuart Christopher (Barbara) Parks of Columbia; sister, Jean Parks Gironda of Cortland Manor, NY; 17 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Parks was preceded in death by son, Stephen James Parks; grandson, Gregory Stephen Parks; brother, Clifford Winfield Parks, Jr.; sisters, Marian Parks Cook, Dorothy Parks Rainone, and Edith Parks Dorsey.

The funeral service for Mr. Parks will be held 11 o'clock, Friday, July 26th, at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia, with The Rev. James A. Goudelock officiating. Burial will follow at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 until 7 o'clock, at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. Memorials may be made to Eau Claire Baptist Church, 4427 N. Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203.