Edward Smith Parks, Sr., 91, of Tangier Island, Virginia, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at his home.

Born on Tangier on October 9, 1935, he was the son of the late Melvin and Polly Jane Crockett Parks. At a young age, his family moved to Crisfield where he attended school, but every year he would spend the summer with his grandparents on Tangier. His devoted wife of 65 years, Charlotte Pruitt Parks, preceded him in death on February 9, 2026.

Ed served in the US Navy from 1952 until 1956. He worked for the Department of the Navy at the Radar Station on Tangier, then briefly with the Army Corps of Engineers. He later was co-owner of Tangier Island Seafood. Eventually, he realized working on the water was his passion, and he remained a waterman for most of his life.

Active in his community, he was a member of the New Testament Church and in his earlier years attended Swain Memorial Church. He was very proud of being a member of the Tangier Island Mission Team. He was a charter member of the Tangier Volunteer Fire Department, and was actively involved in the former Tangier VFW Post 9358 where he served in many capacities including past commander and service officer.

He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees, and enjoyed playing softball in his younger years. He loved spending time with his family and he especially enjoyed visits from his grandchildren.

He is survived by three children, Beth Thomas of Tangier, Edward Parks, Jr. (Bev) of Tangier, and William Parks, III of Harrington, DE; seven grandchildren, Rudy “Tripp” Thomas, III (Alicia) of Bridgeport, WV, Courtney Ward (Keith) of Crisfield, Brett Thomas (Elana) of Tangier, Lindsay Photakos (Steve) of Moseley, VA, Drew Parks of Moseley, VA, Lance Parks of Moseley, VA, and Schyler Parks of Salisbury, MD; seven great-grandchildren, Lukas, Nelson and Nate Thomas, Kash Ward, Natalie Thomas, and Mason and Camden Photakos; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Rudy Thomas, Jr. ; and his sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Jimmie Lee Howard.

Visitation will be Monday evening, October 26, 2026, from 6-8 PM at the church on Tangier and one hour prior to the service.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 1:30 PM at Swain Memorial Church on Tangier. Elder Duane Crockett will officiate and Mr. Denny Crockett will give the eulogy. Funeral passengers will depart Crisfield Tuesday at 12:30 PM on the Courtney Thomas mail boat and return following the funeral. Interment will be in Sunnyridge Memorial Park in Crisfield at approximately 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Tangier Volunteer Fire Department.