CONROE, Texas — George Dwayne Parks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, storyteller, and humorist, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024, in Conroe, Texas, at the age of 92. He was born in 1932 in Sulphur, Oklahoma, to Jodie and Myrtle Parks and brought wit and wisdom to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Sanders and Bennie Parks, and his son Andrew Parks, George is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Julia Rose Parks; his loving daughters, Jacqueline Parks and Suzanne (Tom) Ryan; his adored grandchildren, Meghan (Matthew) Ryan, Melissa (Luke) Wilkinson, and William (Kelli) Ryan; and his precious great-grandchildren, Hudson and Caiden Ryan.

George’s story is one of dedication and adventure. During his senior year of high school, he answered the call to serve, joining the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and later serving 20 honorable years in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring from military service, George turned to civilian work for CE Lumas and the City of Houston at IAH airport.

Not one to be idle, George pursued a lifelong passion for history and craftsmanship by restoring and selling antiques in the 1970s. He later combined his love of knowledge and nostalgia as the owner of Dooryard Books, a beloved used and rare bookstore in Rockland, Maine, for 25 years. Through his shop and his stories, George shared a piece of himself with every visitor.

George will be remembered not only for his achievements but also for the way he lived. His humor endured to his final days, leaving his family with the gift of laughter and love.

A celebration of George’s remarkable life will take place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Livingston, Texas. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his beloved son, Andrew.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, continuing George’s legacy of service and support for his fellow veterans.