Charles Rayburn Parks, 72, of Houston, MS passed away at his home  Saturday, March 23, 2024.  Rayburn was born in Houston to Thomas A. and Allene Brock Parks.  He was the youngest of three brothers.  Rayburn spent his early years in Van Vleet and graduated from Houston High School. He continued his education at Delta State University.

Rayburn was owner of Parks and Parks Well Service and Parks Exploration where he was a third generation driller. A  passionate supporter of his community, he was involved in various community associations such as Chickasaw Development Foundation, Exchange Club, and PACE Foundation. He was also a trustee of the school board.  In addition to his work for the Houston community, Rayburn was involved in various other groups such as the Boys and Girls club, Alpha House, Tennessee Valley Rural Water Management, Three Rivers Planning and Development, Itawamba Community College Foundation Board, and CREATE Foundation.

Rayburn was an avid supporter, donor, and fan of Mississippi State University athletics.  He was a member of the Bulldog Club and MSU Legacy Foundation.  He was also a season ticket holder for multiple sports, where he connected with many bulldog friends throughout the years.  Rayburn also took great pleasure in supporting local athletics.  He was always willing to contribute, as he had a heart for helping others excel, especially the younger generation of Houston.

Rayburn had many things that brought him joy, but spending time with family was one of his greatest pleasures.  Although he had many activities and community commitments, he always made time for his family.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing with his wife, Joan.  Rayburn was also a man of great faith and was a member of Houston First Baptist Church which he attended with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers (T.M. and Hubert).  He was survived by his wife Joan Parks of Houston, his daughter Shana Bell of Tupelo, his stepson Chad (Mackenzie) Underwood of Tupelo,  his grandson Parker Bell of Jacksonville, FL,  two nephews Mike Parks (Jo) of Tyler, TX, and Patrick Parks of Pontotoc, one niece Jennifer Parks Washington of Gulfport, and his sister-in-law Jan Parks of Pontotoc.

A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday March 26, 2024 from 5-8 PM at Houston First Baptist Church.  A second visitation will be held Wednesday March 27 at 3 PM followed by a 4 PM Celebration of Life.  Pallbearers for the service will be Parker Bell, Chad Underwood, Matt Edwards, Buddy Schwalenberg, Barry Springer, Jose Gonzalez, and Kyle Peel.  Honorary pallbearers include Robert H. Scott, Bobby G. Mooneyham, Chuck Carson, Jerry Ishee, Benny Gibson, Kirkham Dendy, Howard Fisackerly, Alan Whitworth, Jack Holleman, and employees of Parks and Parks.

In lieu of flowers, Rayburn's family requests that donations be made to the Rayburn Parks Memorial Scholarship checks to be mailed to the CREATE Foundation (P.O. Box 1053 Tupelo, MS 38802) or Small Mercies Animal Rescue (512 Critz St. Starkville, MS 39759).

Bulldog fans are encouraged to bring cowbells to Rayburn's service to celebrate his final sendoff.