Parks Dimsdale

Professor Parks B. Dimsdale, Jr., 82, of Pace, Florida, passed away Thursday, April 27, 2017. Professor Dimsdale was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Parks and Eugenia Paris Dimsdale. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Bonnie Dimsdale; brother, Roger (Carleen) Dimsdale; sister, Lynn (Harvey) Amis; nephews, Joel (Zhenia) and Jared, and children David Lawrence Dimsdale and Diana Lee Anabseh (and granddaughter Anna). Parks was introduced to the business world as a boy working in his father’s hardware store in Decatur, Georgia. He served in the United States Navy from 1956-1958, and then began a long and productive academic and business career. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University, a Master of Business of Administration from Emory University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Florida. He served as an associate professor at Louisiana State University, Executive Vice President of Purcell Consultants in Decatur, Georgia, and then successfully operated his own business consulting firm in Atlanta. Dr. Dimsdale held positions at the University of West Florida as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Marketing and Economics, Dean of the College of Business, Vice President of Advancement, and Executive Vice President and Provost in charge of Academic Affairs. Among his accomplishments as Dean were leading the College of Business to become accredited through the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business and as Provost overseeing a dramatic increase in University faculty size and student enrollment. Professor Dimsdale was known for his thoughtful and inspiring leadership, his concern with advancing the quality of student education, and his respect and support for his colleagues. Professor Dimsdale served as vice president and as chairman of the ethics committee for the American Marketing Association and received its Wayne Lemberg Award. He was a member of the Academy of Marketing Science, the South Marketing Association, and the Northwest Marketing Association, which he founded and served as president. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, a past president and member of the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Economics Club, and a past committee chairman of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. Parks was known to family and friends for his gracious Southern manners and warmth, as well as his calm, unflappable demeanor and wry sense of humor. He enjoyed hiking and traveling worldwide with his wife, Bonnie. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2017, at Lewis Funeral Home, Pace Chapel. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.