Clayton “Clay” William Parks Jr., 67, of Portage, Indiana passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, December 20, 2021. Clay was born May 7, 1954 in San Antonio, Texas to Mary Wickware and Clayton Parks Sr. He was one of six children. His siblings include Mary Clarvoe, Rodger Parks, Patty Nephew, Buddy Poole, and Gary Parks. Clay was married to Jacqueline on February 10, 1984 and has spent his last 37 years with the love of his life.
Throughout his life, Clay has held many titles from mechanic to supervisor to fork lift operator and in every job held, he was recognized in some way for giving 120 percent. Clay was an avid Nascar fan and absolutely loved Dale Earnhardt Sr. He was also a very big Elvis Presley fan, as well as a big fan of President Trump. He enjoyed playing computer games, watching old westerns, and listening to oldies.
Clay is survived by his wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Parks, daughters; Mary (Alex) Miklas and Jessica (DJ) Parks, his grandchildren, Rachael Parks, Zoey Craft, and Sofia Palaeologus. His brothers Gary (Pattie) Parks, Buddy (Jill) Poole, sisters; Patty Parks and Mary Clarvoe. Brother-in-law Russell (Dee) Warner, and Roger (Patty) Vandiver and Sister-in-law Betty Westmorland, Deborah Warner and Cindy Vandiver. Clay has numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, in-laws and many more loved ones.
Clay is predeceased by his father Clayton Parks Sr.; mother Mary Parks; brother Rodger Parks and sister Patty Nephew. His mother-in-law, Lois Vandiver, father-in-law, Jesse Vandiver, brother-in-law, Jesse Vandiver, and sister-in-law Rebecca Eskridge and Mary Scott.
A celebration of life/memorial service will be held in late January, the date and time are to be determined.