Parks Walter Mann, Sr., age 76, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away peacefully on January 6th, 2023.

Parks was born on December 5th, 1946 in Camden, NJ, to Parks Gilbert Mann and Dorothy Elizabeth Hunt. After graduating from Jonesboro Senior High in 1965 he went on to proudly serve his country through two years of military service in the Army, including time in Vietnam.

As a teenager, Parks landed his first job at Kent Foods (Jonesboro, GA) and then went on to continue his career in food and beverage distribution through Kraft Foods (Atlanta & Richmond) and Coca-Cola (Chicago & Atlanta).

In 1969, Parks married the love of his life, Vivian Ann Thompson, and they remained happily wed for 53 years. Remaining to cherish Parks’ memory are his wife, Vivian Mann; two children, Parks Walter Mann Jr. (Candace) of Trussville, AL, and Tricia Renee Harris (Daniel) of Asheville, NC; and 5 grandchildren (Madeline, Vivian, & Eleanor Mann, and Adelaine & Ava Harris). In addition, Parks is survived by his sister Dorothy Meadows (Gene) and 5 nieces and nephews (Jennifer, Deena, Joni, Kelly, and Marshall).

In addition to being committed to his family and career, Parks served as a deacon in his church (Smoke Rise Baptist) and was involved with his local community. Parks was highly engaged with the Run the Reagan Road Race, the Gwinnett Community Clinic, and the creation of the Ronald Reagan Park at Five Forks Trickum.

Parks was predeceased by parents, Parks and Dorothy Mann.

The service to celebrate the life of Parks Mann will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Stone Mountain, GA. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Smoke Rise Baptist Church from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either Smoke Rise Baptist Church (smokerisebaptist.org) or Run the Reagan Road Race https://raceroster.com/events/2023/66091/run-the-reagan-2023.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.