Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Harold gave his life to The Lord as a member of Bethany Baptist Church, located in McNeil, Arkansas. After his high school graduation, he served his country by joining the Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. He quickly attained the rank of Drill Sergeant at the Paris Island boot camp.

When he relocated to Dallas he earned the privilege of serving on the Dallas Police Department as one of the few African American Officers. He served as the Vice President of the founding body of the Black Police Association which continues to serve Dallas.

His work career also included a stellar performance as a General Motors employee. After retiring from General Motors, he spent much time fishing, traveling, playing dominoes and serving others; not to mention that he was an avid sport enthusiast.

As a devoted and dedicated ordained deacon, he served faithfully as a member of the Pastor's Aid Ministry with his health permitting. He will be remembered as a servant to God and mankind.

His proudest moments were the opportunities that he spent time with his grandchildren, especially Titus Hunter and Cedric Portley, II. To Harold, the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whom shade you do not expect to sit. It was evident that he was preparing his grandchildren for the future.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife and best friend, Lela Durham Parks, their precious children Vincent Hollaway, Schenequa Neal, Harolynn LeTrice Parks-Portley and Whitney Parks; his siblings Edward Johnson and Velma Barnes; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loved ones. Preceded in death are his mother Earnestine Parks, two brothers and his daughter Halisa Parks.

To sum it all up, this is what he was to us,
A true friend we could turn to when times were good or bad. One of our greatest blessings.
The man that we called, Harold.
Well done thy good and Faithful Servant…