In Memory

William Albert Parks

William Albert Parks

William Albert Parks, age 69, of Asheville, NC, died November 20, 2019 at Memorial Mission Hospital after a short illness.  Preceded in death by his father, Albert B. Parks, and brother, Steven K. Parks, he is survived by his wife, Cathryn Carlson, his son, Mika Parks, his mother, Hattie H. Parks, siblings, Thomas Parks, Shirley Carlberg and Susan Somerville and their families.

Raised in Maryland, Bill married Cathy in Atlanta, GA.  They moved to Asheville in 1991.  He worked as a computer programmer for the Centers For Disease Control and was proud of his work on the CDC WONDER project.  Bill was a crucial architect and informatics developer for the CDC WONDER system over the entire course of his career at CDC, and he was key in launching CDC’s Secure Data Network.  He loved music and dance all his life.  He studied modern dance in Maryland, New York and Atlanta, took piano and old time fiddle lessons, and was a contra dance caller for several years.  In recent years he found joy in being an active member of the Asheville theater community and was most proud when he could share the stage with Mika.  He is deeply missed.

Memorial gathering details are yet to be determined.  Memorial donations may be made to Montford Park Players,  PO Box 2663, Asheville, NC 28802  or to Doctors Without Borders, https://donatedoctorswithoutborders.org/tribute.cfm.  Note as a memorial gift to Bill Parks.  Cards may be sent to the family at 2383 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC 28805.