In Memoriam: Dr. Bill Parks
October 16, 1943 – May 21, 2015
Dr. Bill Parks founded Parks Orthodontics in 1978. He was an esteemed orthodontist serving the greater Hampton Roads community for over 40 years. Dr. Parks opened his private practice in Newport News in 1978.
Dr. Parks was born and raised in Gaffney, South Carolina, and attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Sandra. Dr. Parks earned a Doctor in Dental Surgery at the Medical College of Virginia, where he was inducted into both Sigma Zeta and Omicron Kappa Upsilon science honor societies. He completed a two-year orthodontic residency at Boston University, where he earned a Master of Science in Dentistry.
After two years of practicing orthodontics in the military, Dr. Parks opened his private practice on the Peninsula. Dr. Parks was a Board Certified Orthodontist and was also a distinguished member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American College of Dentists. Locally, he was a fellow of the Virginia Dental Association and a past president of both the Peninsula Dental Society and the Tidewater Orthodontic Society.
Outside his professional life, Dr. Parks was the past president of the Virginia War Museum. Previously, he served as the chairman of the board at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, a member of the board at Hampton Roads Academy, and a member of the Warwick Rotary. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Bill spread joy and happiness to all he met. In addition to his passion for his patients and colleagues at Parks Orthodontics, Bill could often be found in his garage, working on his collection of cars and motorcycles and a variety of other hobbies. Bill delighted in exploring the open road, traveling all over the world with his fellow car and motorcycle enthusiasts. He relished in having his family and friends gather at his home on the James River to celebrate all of life’s moments or just to enjoy a quiet sunset. Those who have been fortunate enough to know Bill have lost a dear friend. Dr. Parks was loved by many and his legacy lives on at Parks Orthodontics!
Contributions in his honor can be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Hampton Roads Academy, or Camp Victory Junction.
