Ellis Wayne Parks Jr.

APRIL 18, 1944 – OCTOBER 23, 2024 (AGE 80)

Ellis Wayne Parks, Jr. (Wayne) devoted husband/partner of Melody A. Sheahan (nee McCoy) for over 40 years passed away unexpectedly on October 23, 2024, at the age of 80. Wayne was the beloved Brother-in-Law to Tracy Hemsink (Glenn), Cathy Krimme (Michael) and the late Mitzi Harrison. He was a loving Uncle to Rebecca Hemsink, Robert Hemsink, Rachel Hemsink (David Farmer), Erica Butler, Michele Hawkins (Shawn), Aaron Krimme (Emily) and Elizabeth Diaz (Jonathan).

Wayne began his railroad career in 1965 and retired in 2017 after 52 years of industry service. He initially worked for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad as part of a survey crew. From there, he went to Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, Norfolk and Western Railway, Chessie System, CSX Transportation and Amtrak. Railway construction was his true passion, so after leaving Amtrak he worked for railway construction companies ending his career with Herzog Construction Company in 2017. One of the things he enjoyed most was teaching and mentoring the next generation of railroaders he worked with. He made sure to teach them tried and proven methods as well as helping to introduce modern technology into their projects.

Wayne enjoyed traveling for pleasure even though he did it for work most weeks during his career. He and Melody loved going to Bermuda, where they were married, and taking cruises a couple times per year. He loved the Caribbean Islands and didn’t care whether they got off the ship and looked around or just sat on the balcony and enjoyed the view, the breeze, and a book. He loved traveling with family and friends. Wayne was a member of Campbell Lodge #316 in Altavista, VA, Kazim Shrine Temple in Roanoke, VA and Valley of Lynchburg Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Lynchburg, VA.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 10 AM, until time of memorial service at 11 AM, all at Dalbert, Woodruff & Isenogle Funeral Home 2880 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238.  Internment will immediately follow at Arlington Memorial Cemetery.