Curtis Parks III

   Elbert Curtis Parks III, Chief Petty Officer, USN, Ret., 71, of 200 Troy Drive, Elizabeth City, NC, died Saturday, March 23, 2024, in his home where he was cared for by his family.

   Mr. Parks was born in Newport, Rhode Island on May 17, 1952, and was the son of the late Elbert C., Jr. and Gertrude Beere Parks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Cox; and by his brother, Larry Parks.

   A 1971 graduate of Kempsville High School, he joined the Navy and retired after 20 years of service. His career encompassed Boot Camp and training school in Great Lakes, IL in 1971, serving on the USS Columbus (CG-12) from 71 to 73, the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) from 73 to 74, working in Naval Support in Philadelphia, PA from 74 to 75, serving on the USS Moinester (DE, FF-1097) from 75 to 76, Great Lakes School Instructor from 76 to 80, serving on the USS Ainsworth (FF-1090) from 80 to 84, the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) from 84 to 86, and lastly serving as Company Commander in San Diego, CA (IT School) from 86 until retirement, and where he was proud to have trained nine companies.

   Surviving is his wife of 21 years, Pearl Stallings Parks; his daughter, Christina Gantas of Richmond, VA; three sisters, Linda Cahill (husband, Casey) of Thornton, CO, Jackie Williams (husband, Gerald) of Sunbury, and Rosemary Harrell of Hertford; a sister-in-law, Rebecca Parks of Eure; a brother-in-law, Jim Cox of Chesapeake, Pearl’s siblings, Ernest Pilley (wife, Wanda), Harry Pilley, Alethia Thomas, and Patricia Warren; many nieces and nephews, and his loving and caring church family at Faith Baptist Church.

   Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Faith Baptist Church, 113 Foxboro Drive, Elizabeth City, and will be conducted by Pastor Bryan Pease. The burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Cedarwood Cemetery, Hertford, where military honors will be rendered by the US Navy Honor Guard. Friends may visit with the family Tuesday, April 2nd, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, or all other times at the residence.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.