March 9, 2024, 86, Calypso —

Benjamin “Ben” Franklin Parks passed away peacefully at his home on March 9, 2024, at age 86. He was a resident of Calypso, NC, and was best known as owner and operator of Bear Swamp Taxidermy in Faison, where he and his partner, Sam Taylor, loved serving the hunters of eastern North Carolina for over 60 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Peggie Parks (Alan Story) of Calypso and Paula Parks Barnes (Jonathan) of Clayton. He was loved deeply as “Papa” by his seven grandchildren, Benjamin, Spencer, and Will Story, and Jackson, Collin, Ryan, and Owen Fitzhugh.

Ben was the youngest son of Norman and Sallie Caudell Parks of the Taylortown area in Faison NC. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother and three sisters, Gordon Parks, Ann Parks Sutton, Ina Parks Little, and Ruth Parks Byrd. His wife of almost 50 years, Frances Sutton Parks, also preceded him by two years and we are sure she is finding things for him to do in heaven already!

Ben has been an active member of Calypso Presbyterian Church since 1969. Although he held deep spiritual convictions, Ben did not like formal services following a person’s death so no formal service will be held. Instead, the family would love to have a time of visitation and remembrance on Thursday, March 14 from 5-7 pm at the Calypso Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Dress is casual. 

In lieu of flowers memorials could be sent to the memorial fund at Calypso Presbyterian Church in his memory.