Arthur R. Parks Jr.

Arthur R. Parks, Jr. (“Bobby” or “Art” to most people), 76, died Sunday, January 13th in Wyoming, Michigan.

Bobby leaves his wife of 42 years, Kathy J. Parks, his sons, Christopher R. Parks, and Malcolm C. Parks, and their daughter Kizzy M. Dominguez; four grandchildren, great grandchildren; four sisters; Jan L. Cobbins, Beverly A. Ivy, Rainelle E. Fields, June D. Parks; two brothers; Rodney G. Parks and Todd L. Parks; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends.

Born in Jacksonville, FL, and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, he was the son of Arthur and Katie Mae (Baldwin) Parks.  After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army.

After serving with the Army, Bobby paved the way for African Americans in the Grand Rapids area by being the first African American driver for both Coca Cola and UPS. Determined to do more, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Aquinas College, which led to a twenty-five-year career as an Industrial Engineer in the automotive industry.  

Bobby had a love for hockey, travel, and camping. He and Kathy had season tickets to the Grand Rapids Griffins. They spent their time between Kentwood, MI and Lighthouse Village Campground in Homer, MI.