William Trest Parks

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Ron Rule on March 8, 2005:

Upon arriving at USMA Prep in September 1950 a fellow dressed in an Army uniform walked up to me and said, "Welcome to the Prep School. I'm Bill Parks." This was a much different welcome to Stewart Field in comparison to previous welcomes - Basic at Lackland AFB and Radio Mechanics School at Scott AFB. Bill had no Army chevrons on his sleeve but some funny type of arm band. Of course, he was in a position of authority but I did not know this at the time. To me, he was just Bill Parks. Over the next nine months he became a close and trusted friend. Big mistake on Bill's part - he introduced me to Ryan's 106 Club. Prior to this time I was a non-drinker. He helped to make the Prep School an enjoyable experience. After we entered West Point we both went our different ways but continued to keep in touch. After graduation our paths diverged even more. We kept in touch by phone several times over the years. Bill called me about 2 years ago renewing old times and I discovered that he was in failing health, particularly his eyesight. Several months before his death he called once again for another rehash of our good times spent together. He didn't mention his health problems. Ruthie and I meant to drive over to see Bill but we did not seem to find the time. I will always regret that we failed to make the short trip to Mississippi. I had no idea he was near death. Rest in peace old friend.

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