Billy Parks

A Celebration of Life for Billy Parks will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2022, from 1 to 3 PM at Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center at 585 Nashville Pike, Gallatin TN.  Billy passed away June 12, 2022, preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Judith Mae (June) Parks, who passed away on June 21, 2021.  Billy, along with his wife, will be laid to rest simultaneously on Monday, August 8th, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, 353 East Main Street, Hendersonville, TN.

Billy was also preceded in death by parents Bonnie Jordan Parks and John Parks of Morristown TN, brother Sherlin Hunley of Marietta, Georgia, and an infant son, Billy Ray Parks, Jr.

Billy is survived by daughter, Toni Parks of Lafayette, TN and son Jerry Parks of Westmoreland, TN.  He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Jamie Guthrie Ladd and Jesse Ray Garrison, and six great grandchildren.

Billy was born in Knoxville Tennessee on November 8, 1942, to Amos Hunley and Maggie Jordan Hunley.  He was raised on a farm in Morristown TN by his adopted parents, Bonnie Jordan Parks, and John Parks.

Billy served in the Air Force from 1961 to 1963.  He then became a professional driver and worked for Trailways before joining Conway Twitty Organization in 1972.  Billy was a major agent of the Twitty Birds, serving primarily as Conway’s driver for Twitty Bird 1.  Billy traveled with Conway nationally and internationally until Conway’s death in 1993.

During his 21 years with Conway Billy became well known and respected by many record labels, producers, and radio markets across the country for his incredible work ethics and professionalism.  From his knowledge of the industry, Billy formed Corporate Motorcoach Travel and continued to tour the country with entertainers.  He was instrumental in the success of many new artist by introducing them to major country music radio personalities across America.

Raised in the Appalachians of East Tennessee, and from his experiences in worldwide travels and cultures, he found humor everywhere he went.  This led him to standup comedy.  In the 1990’s he was a regular performer at Lowe’s Theater in Branson, Missouri, and performed in other parts of Missouri, Nevada, Iowa and Canada.  He was the opening act for George Jones on the S.S. Norway Cruise Ship in 1993 and was booked at several conventions across the country.  His humor was always clean and appropriate for all ages.

Billy loved to serve his community and industry.  He was the founder of Professional Drivers for Entertainers and was instrumental in helping drivers obtain insurance and benefits for their families, which were mostly nonexistent at that time.  In 1981, Billy, Conway and Mickey, seeing a need for serving the less privileged children of Sumner County, organized a “caravan” of motor coaches and their drivers to take children Christmas shopping.  In 1982 “Christmas Caravan” was officially born, later becoming “Christmas 4 Kids”.  Over the years, the organization has provided Christmas for thousands of children, and each year Christmas for Kids takes 400 kids Christmas shopping, giving them $200 to spend and a new Winter Coat.

1990, Bill was instrumental in having a monument erected, dedicated to the memory of deceased drivers.   It was initially erected on Music Valley Drive in Nashville, but later relocated to Hendersonville Memory Garden to better serve the community of Sumner County.

All wishing to celebrate the life of Billy Parks are welcome.

In lieu of flowers Memorials to Christmas for Kids  P.O. Box 2611  Hendersonville,TN 37077