Raleigh J Parks was the only child born to the union of Raleigh Parks, Jr., and Eula Mae Parks in Atlanta, GA, on October 29, 1932. He was the third of four Raleigh Parks' in his family. His father was a 1928 graduate of Morehouse College. Both parents preceded him in death. Raleigh was a product of the Atlanta School system. He attended the Booker T. Washington High School of Atlanta, and was a member of the 1949 graduating class. He continued his education at Clark College (Clark Atlanta University) graduating in the class of 1953. He received leadership training and certification from Harvard Business College. Raleigh and Gloria (Polly) Thomas Parks were married in the early 1960's and remained in such union until her death in 1997. Raleigh and Polly attended elementary school and college together. To this loving couple two children were born, Raleigh A. and Stephanie P. Parks. Raleigh entered the U. S. Army and served in the Korean War. He received his paratrooper training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was a proud member of "The Big Red One." Raleigh was not an ordinary soldier; he became a company clerk which was an unusual position for an African American at that time. After military service, Raleigh returned to Atlanta and worked for the U. S. Postal Service delivering mail. One of the clients on his route was the Coca-Cola Company Headquarters in Atlanta. Coca Cola quickly recognized his potential and felt that he would be an asset as an employee to the company. He was one of the first minorities to move into management to diversify employment at The Coca-Cola Company. Raleigh had a personal relationship with the CEO and president of the company. Over the years, he rose through the ranks gaining more responsibilities, promotions, rewards and honors. As he made progress, he continued to be a champion of diversity and equality. He was a marketing expert, and the National Association of Marketing Developers was among one of the many social and professional organizations to which he belonged. After Raleigh retired from Coca-Cola USA, he later consulted with Coca-Cola Enterprises, resolving disputed invoices. He was a mentor to countless employees and was affectionately called "Dad" by many people. An avid traveler, following retirement, Raleigh continued seeing the world. He visited numerous countries such as Italy, Spain, Germany and South Africa. He loved people and spent lots of time entertaining; and he never met a stranger. Raleigh had the gift of gab and a wonderful sense of humor - compared to none. He also had an ensconced hobby of collecting model trains, riding motorcycles, and driving his Thunderbird, affectionately known as "Black Beauty." All who are near and dear to Raleigh, know that he is going to be "My-T-Fine!" (his favorite expression). A member of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, Raleigh is survived by son, Raleigh A. Parks (Kimberly), Keller, TX; daughter, Stephanie P. Parks, Atlanta, GA; grand-daughter, Mackenzie Parks, Keller, TX; his sister-in-law, Mary E. Wells of Atlanta, GA, who preceded him in death on November 23, 2009; god-daughter, Natalie Merritt, Houston, TX; devoted family friend, Mrs. Jean Merritt, Dallas, TX; and best friends for sixty years, Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Knox, Atlanta, GA; cousin James Clifford Edwards, Jonesboro, GA, and a host of relatives and friends.