Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 10, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Larry Parks, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 10, 2023, shortly after a surgical procedure.  Larry was born on February 27, 1951, in Gastonia, NC to Nelson and Dorothy Parks.

Larry graduated from Ashbrook High School in Gastonia, NC and later attended Wingate University in Marshville, NC.   He exceled at baseball in high school and college and remained an Atlanta Braves enthusiast though out his life.  Larry along with his parents and brother, Jeff ran The Parks Men’s Store which catered to high end clients including business owners, doctors, lawyers, and many influential members of Gastonia. He was a well-known and respected man in the community.   Larry left the family business for a brief time and worked in national sales for Hart Schaffner Marx.  After the death of his mother Larry returned back to the family business with his father and brother.

In the early 90’s Larry moved to Charlotte, NC and began his career as a leasing and operations consultant to restaurant and bar owners.   He paid exquisite attention to details and worked tirelessly to help open restaurants and bars in Charlotte for decades.  Larry’s customers became his friends and he always strived to help improve their businesses.  He became one of the most successful consultants in the Charlotte area.  It would be difficult to locate a restaurant or bar in the Charlotte area that Larry was not associated with in some way.  

Larry enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons with his two granddaughters, Emma and Molly.  He was especially proud of his son, Nick whose automotive business continues to grow and prosper.

Larry never lost his background in men’s clothing and will be remembered for his classy attire and wicked sense of humor.  His legacy will remain as someone who was respected and well liked in the Charlotte community.

Larry is survived by his son, Nicholas William Parks and his wife, Lauren Teague Parks; granddaughters, Emma Ann Parks and Margaret “Molly” Amanda Parks and his brother, Jeffery Parks.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Toscana, 6401 Carnegie Blvd #6-B in Charlotte, NC.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 20, 2023 at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, in Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Larry to Turning Point, an organization devoted to supporting victims of domestic violence, PO Box 952, Monroe, NC 28111 or https://turningpointnc.org/.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.