Sam Otis Parks Lemons

The world became a little less vibrant on Monday, October 6, 2025, when Sam Otis Parks-Lemons left this world for his heavenly home. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, talent, patience, and endless love. Sam was the rock of his family — steadfast, dependable, and always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh. Sam was born on February 16, 1936, in Statesboro, Georgia. At the age of nineteen, he moved to Philadelphia, where he met the love of his life, Virginia Young. The two married on May 17, 1957, and shared 68 beautiful years together. In June 1960, they planted roots on Edgewood Street in West Philadelphia, where they built not just a home but a lifetime of memories and lasting friendships which have now become family. In 1993, Sam and Virginia bought a vacation home in Orange Lake, Florida, and in 2015, Sam made Orange Lake his permanent home. A true craftsman, Sam built more than houses — he built a life full of meaning and purpose. For sixty-seven years, Sam proudly ran his own construction business, S.O.P. (Sam Otis Parks) Construction, earning respect for his skill, honesty, and hard work. He loved teaching his craft to his children and to the young men in the neighborhood, many of whom lovingly called him “Pop.” Sam’s greatest joy was his family. A proud father of eight children, grandfather to twenty-one, great-grandfather to thirty-two, and great-great- grandfather to one. Sam encouraged his children to follow their passions, to work hard, and to live with courage and kindness. His adventurous spirit lives on through each of them. Sam also had a deep love for motorcycles. He enjoyed casual rides and racing. Sam served as one of the founders and the first President of The Philadelphia Travelers Motorcycle Club. When he wasn’t working or riding, you could often find Sam shooting pool, playing poker, or rolling dice — always surrounded by friends and laughter. In his later years, Sam retired from his long and fulfilling career to spend more time with those he loved most. But even in retirement, he never stopped helping others — whether through advice, financial support, or simply lending a hand. Helping people was part of who he was. Sam accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age, and his faith only grew stronger with time. In his final years, Sam continued to show his family what unwavering faith and love look like, and for that, his family is forever grateful. Sam’s gentle guidance and unconditional love will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He lived a full, joyful life — one filled with love, laughter, hard work, and faith. His memory will forever live in the hearts of his family and the many lives he has impacted. Although Sam Otis touched thousands of lives during his lifetime, the most important are his beloved wife Virginia, their seven surviving children: Sherl Brinkley (James), Karen Diane, Cassandra Parks-DeVaughn (Bobby), Renee Parks-James (Melvin), Sam Otis Parks Jr. (Aquay), Robin Stokes (Ira), and Kim Crawford (Wil); their twenty-one grandchildren: Kareen, Brahene, Michael, Tasha, Kia, Stephine, Terell, Brittany, Jasmine, Kymia, Danielle, Kristian, Troy, Christopher, Kyleia, Kymyata, Makala, Jayden, Sage, and Miles; thirty-two great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Geraldine Williams and Minnie Platt, two sisters-in-law Vivian Parks and Delorse Jones; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Sam Otis Parks Lemons

March 16, 1937 - October 6, 2025