William Harold Parks

PARKERSBURG — William Harold Parks was born on Dec. 28, 1924, in Cairo, Ritchie County, West Virginia. He is turning 100 years old this year and has led a happy life, full of hard work, family, friends, church and his love for Jesus. He is a proud member at Heart of Worship Church in Parkersburg.

Before enlisting in the Navy at 19 years old, Harold went into the trades as a welder. On June 24, 1943, he was inducted into the Navy, and his date of entry into active service was on July 4, 1943, in Harrisville. Harold spent two years, eight months and 28 days in the Navy, with an honorable separation date of March 21, 1946. His service and vessels include NAS Corry Field, Pensacola, Florida; UNNAS, Pensacola; USNS, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; USN Frontier Base, Cape May, N.J.; and NSD, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Harold received the following remarks during his time in the Navy: ALNAV 40-46, American Theatre Ribbon and a Victory Medal. His commanding officer was Lt. Cmdr. John J. Noone Jr..

After his time in the Navy, Harold married and has seven children, two stepdaughters and countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a few great-great-grandchildren. He spent his career working at PPG as a pipefitter for 38 years. According to him, these were some of the best years of his life and he continues to share stories and memories of his work colleagues and experiences. He now resides in Parkersburg.

Harold will be celebrated from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Heart of Worship Church in Parkersburg.