Johnny Michael Parks

Johnny Michael Parks, known fondly as Mike, passed away peacefully, in his sunroom at his home in Columbia Tennessee nearing sunrise on July 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was 72 years old. During his brief, but courageous battle with cancer, he found peace in his faith and certainty that he would be reunited with lost loved ones, especially his grandson Dyllan.

Mike was born on November 6, 1952 in Newbern, Tennessee to John H. Parks and Helen Howell Parks, both deceased. Mike grew up a proud son of West Tennessee where he developed a fondness for the outdoors. In his youth, Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing both on his family’s farmland, as well as at Reelfoot Lake. This rural life suited him, and in his early adult years spent farming with his family he learned to appreciate the value of hard work and developed a work ethic he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young man, Mike married Carolyn Laneece Parks in 1972. Together with Carolyn’s children from a prior marriage, Harold and Gina, they built a loving home, joyously welcoming two children of their own, Shane and Misty. Mike and family moved throughout West Tennessee and southern Kentucky before finally settling in Spring Hill, Tennessee in the 1980s. Mike and Carolyn remained married for many years but divorced after their children were grown, and remained friends until her passing in 2021.

After moving to Middle Tennessee, Mike established his career in retail sales, ultimately joining Lucus Chevrolet in Columbia. There, he valued the daily opportunities to connect with customers and, over time, relocated to Columbia to become an active member of its community. Here Mike met his second wife, Kaye Marlin, with whom he shared many happy years, and although they divorced in 2023, they remained close friends and soulmates until his passing.

Upon retiring from Lucas Chevrolet, Mike found himself enjoying a rewarding calling as a bus driver for the Maury County Public Schools, where he made many friends. As the driver of bus #39, he was known to surprise his students with doughnuts on a Friday morning, and candy on special occasions. Their smiles and appreciation brought him immeasurable joy.

He leaves behind a rich legacy rooted in love, tradition and simple joys. He was a devoted father and “Paw Paw” to his granddaughter Kayla, her brother Dyllan (now deceased) and Gina’s daughter, Chelsea. He was also known for his skill at tending a flourishing vegetable garden. He enjoyed putting-up vegetables and canning tomato juice with his family. Mostly, Mike cherished passing down this knowledge and sharing the fruits of his labor.

From his favorite sunroom chair, he delighted in watching birds flock to the feeders he lovingly filled; each feathered visitor, a small miracle he never took for granted. A talented home chef, Mike often used his generosity and skill in the kitchen, to unite his family. Above all, he cherished passing down these traditions to his beloved children and granddaughter, Kayla.

Beach trips were among his greatest pleasures, with Amelia Island holding a special place in his heart—a place he hoped his spirit would someday return, carried on the sea breeze he so loved.

Mike will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and remembered always for his unwavering kindness, his devotion to family, and the beauty he found in life’s quiet moments.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Parks; father, John Parks; uncle, Bill Parks; aunt, Marjorie Ellen Parks Roth; aunt, Mary Evelyn Parks Bennett; grandson, Dyllan Watkins, and mother of his children, Carolyn Parks.

He is survived by daughter, Misty (John) Milazo; son, Shane (Cori) Parks; stepdaughter, Gina (Terry) Chandler; stepson, Harold Daniels; grandchildren, Kayla (Richard) Stagge and Chelsea Johnson; sister, Phyllis (Delbert) Webb; niece, Lea (Mike) Rhodes; and former wife and loving companion, Kaye Marlin.

Friends, co-workers, and colleagues are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life which will be announced at a later date.