John Russell Parks, 39, of Asheville, NC and formerly of Hillsville, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2013 at Mission Memorial Hospital. A native of Carroll County, VA, Mr. Parks was the son of the late Joe E Park, and his brother, Joe Parks, also precedes him in death. Mr. Parks was a 1992 graduate of Carroll County High School of Hillsville VA, and a 1992 graduate of Radford University of Radford VA. He was a 5th grade teacher who loved his students at Koontz Intermediate School in Buncombe County, NC, Hall Fletcher Elementary School in Asheville City, NC, and Laurel Elementary in Carroll County, Virginia. He was a beloved teacher who taught school for 15 years. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Mary Ashley McMillan Parks; their children, Kaegan, Will, and Anna, all of the home; his Mother, Mary Russell Parks of Woolwine Va; sister, Julie Natzel of Montana; father and mother in law, Robert and Jackie McMillan of Martinsville Va; brother and sister in law, Sean and Christi McMillan; and nephews, Conor and Sean Greyson of Greenville SC. John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fly-fishing, hunting, camping, Virginia Tech Football, Duke Basketball, snow days, and Great Danes. Most of all he enjoyed being a father to his children. A child friendly memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 3rd at 3pm at the Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church and College Chapel. Visitation will follow for big and little friends for the Parks Family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.AshevilleMortuaryServices.com A memorial fund has been set up in the name of John Parks at Well Fargo Bank. An additional fund has been set up at http://www.gofundme.com/4yi96c