Charles Earl Parks, 76 passed from this earth on October 2, 2020, after a battle with Covid-19. Charley was born in Fort Smith on March 28, 1944 and spent his years farming and growing plants working alongside his brother at Parks Brothers Farm. Charley was known as a prankster and liked nothing better than to watch chaos ensue from one of his pranks. We all loved his ornery smile and soft chuckle. Charley pranked all his life; from releasing a snake in the basement hallway of Van Buren High School when he was a senior, locking Van Buren High School staff in the teacher’s lounge, to throwing fireworks under the deck on the 4th of July. Charley was generous to a fault and always willing to help out anyone in need. Charley was a member at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ for many years and served as a deacon. The children of his church knew him best as Mr. Charley, the giver of gum and hugs.

Arrangement and cremation under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren no service will be held at this time.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol (Gibson) Parks of the home; two daughters, Lacey (Parks) Shirley and Shaina Parks; one son, Jason Parks; one brother, Paul Parks; three granddaughters, Faith, Clara and Anna Shirley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Southern Christian Home, 100 W. Harding Street, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110.