Gary Dale Parkey, a native Tulsan, born 1939, and resident of Elkins Arkansas, passed away surrounded by his children, wife and extended family as the soundtrack of his life played quietly in the background.
As Harry Chapin said, ‘All your life’s a circle.’ Dale’s life was certainly a full and spirited circle. He graduated in 1958 with the first class of Edison High School. He went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, GO POKES! G. Dale maintained an interior design business in Tulsa and started the Interior Design program at Tulsa Community College. He loved a good game of pool, strumming his guitar fireside, reminiscing about his adventures down the Arkansas River and telling brow-raising jokes. He was a member of the First Baptist Church Elkins, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, his children; Chad, Shana, Melinda, Michelle and their spouses; his former wife Juliana; brothers Ike, Bud and Bill; 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and one on its way (who call him G. Pa); and many nieces and nephews who loved him as Uncle Dale.
Church services will take place on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 10 AM at Elkins First Baptist Church.
Graveside services will take place at 3:00 PM following the services on Thursday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 2:30-5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Beard’s Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes, www.jdrf.org
Dear Parkey Family,
we were sad to hear of Dale’s death. We remember him at St John’s singing in Cotton Patch Gospel; at TCC as a colleague as he inspired students in the design program, and of course as an office mate who always had a piece of wry wisdom. May you be comforted knowing that he had such a good influence on so many.
with love,
Jessica & Fred Stowell
My family and I are so very sorry for your loss. I’m still not sure whether the soccer parents were more interested in watching our soccer games or listening to the G. Dale and Charley show! He was a very special soul!! Kristy Wyatt and Family..
Yes those two kept the Ref’s in line for sure! Appreciate the comments and the humor my dad brought to many lives!
The entire Hitachi Vantara family sends our love and prayers to the Parkey family. We have been blessed to have Mr Parkey’s daughter, Michelle, as a vital part of our company! Mr Parkey’s positive impact to the world and the daughter he raised has an enormous benefit of uplifted spirit and friendship demonstrated by his daughter. Thinking of all of the extended family and friends, wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember Mr Parkey’s life.
I am sorry for your loss. Dale lived an exciting and full life. He is now resting with the Lord. Prayers for the Lord to cover his family with healing and compassion.
God’s love is the anchor that holds us through hard times, the shield that surrounds us always, and the stronghold that keeps us in his caring embrace. praying for you all during this time and Dale will be missed! He was a loving and caring man who loved Jesus and everyone he came into contact with! Love you Shirley and lifting you up In prayer!
I was certainly sorry to learn of Dale’s passing. He and I were early childhood friends at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Tulsa, and renewed acquaintances in Tulsa during our business careers. He was involved in interiors, and my field was products for the exterior of buildings. I always considered Dale a friend, and extend my condolences to his family on his passing.
Shana, assuming I have the correct Shana. Sorry about the loss of your father. I dealt with the same issue in Nov with my father. Never a good experience.
It would be easy not to say anything, but I realized in Nov, it is good to have people acknowledge your loss. I sat behind you in German class at BK and we both were horrible.
Mike, I hope I can find you via other BK friends to properly reconnect and thank you for your kindness. If you are on Instagram, friend me at: bananabelle123.
Then we can share email addresses like proper adults!
My condolences to all of the family. I am so sorry to hear this news. I have always had a special place in my heart for the Parkey’s and the Casler’s
Love and prayer
Martha Adams
Shirley you are in my thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed chatting with Dale. May you and your family feel God’s peace and comfort as you celebrate his life and mourn his absence.
Shirley,
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Dale. He like to tease. He will be missed.
Prayers for you. God is Good.
Lee
First Baptist Elkins
Remembering with delight the days with Dale at Eliot Elementary School in Tulsa. Bless him.
Judy Pat (Johnson) Koontz
Dear Julie ,Chad ,Shana,Melinda & Michelle…its Robin you used to live next door to us on 28th st …my sister Gina and I are sorry to here about your dad …he and your mom were pretty cool … We have awesome memories of all you kiddos and your parents…please give your mom a hug and kiss for me…tell her we miss the rambler wagon an Neil diamond music and babysitting you guys… Love Robin,Rick & Gina
Oh we remember your family well! So good to hear from you!
Thank you dear Ones