Daniel (Dan) Joseph Park, of Elkin, North Carolina, passed away at his home on September 21, 2022.  He was 88 years old.  Dan was born in Elkin on February 23, 1934, to the late Ruth Edwards Park and John Addison Park.  Dan graduated from Elkin High School in 1952, Duke University with a BA in 1956 and Duke Law School with a L.L.D. in 1959.  Dan served as the manager of the ACC-undefeated Duke football team in 1955.

Dan began his law practice in 1959 as an associate with Charles M. Neaves Sr. until 1961 when he went solo, except for a partnership of Finger and Park from 1966 to 1981.   Dan claimed that God smiled upon him and his practice as he enjoyed a successful litigation and general practice career for over 60 years.  He loved doing what he could for those who "came in the door".  Dan was very involved in the NC State Bar having been instrumental in starting the General Practice Committee, General Practice Hall of Fame, and NC General Practice Deskbook.  He was president of the Surry County Bar Association, the 17 ^th Judicial District Bar, and served as councilor of the 17 ^th Judicial District Bar.

Dan was proud to have been a founding director of Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company in 1968 (the 2 ^nd independent bank since 1932).  He served as its attorney, director, and chair of the Executive Committee until the bank became involved in multiple mergers commencing in 2002 when it was in the top ten of all categories for banks in North Carolina.

Dan's proudest endeavor was the creation of a town park.  He led the effort to raise funds for the purchase of the park land, and the first phase including pool, tennis courts, playground, and walking track.  He later initiated, chaired, and led the effort to raise funds to build the park indoor facility.  For this and his other civic activities, June 29, 2009, was proclaimed Daniel J. Park Day in Elkin by the mayor.

Dan was an active member of First United Methodist Church where he served as Chair of the Board of Trustees and Administrative Board.  He served on all other church committees possible at some point and as a Lay Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and coach of the Church basketball team.

In Surry County, Dan was a member of the Board of Elections, Chair of the Young Republicans, and the Republican Party.  He was a member of the Jaycees, Lions and Rotary Clubs.  He also chaired the Elkin ABC Store from its establishment in 1982 for many years.  One of Dan's final contributions to the Elkin community was his generous sale of land and donation of an easement to the State of NC for establishment of the park at Carter Falls.  Carter Falls was his sanctuary and happy place, but ultimately, he knew the beauty of the waterfalls needed to be shared with the community.

Dan enjoyed playing tennis for most of his life, traveling with his wife, Sallie, the occasional guy's golf trip (invited not for golfing abilities but for his contribution to the fun), playing Monopoly with his grandchildren and outdoor recreation.  Dan will be missed for his quick wit and fun nature, devotion to his community, strong work ethic, love of a challenge and fierce competitive nature.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sallie Ann Carroll Park, siblings Bob Park, Jack Park, Marilyn Casstevens and Brenda Farthing.  Surviving are his children, Lark Park Elliott (Tom) of Charlotte NC, Mark Curtis Park of Salisbury NC, and Daniel Clark Park (Linda) of Woodinville, WA.  Also surviving are his grandchildren Lucy and Mac Elliott, Erica and Addison Park, and John and Catherine Park.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 3rd at 2:00pm at Elkin First United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Howard Fleming.  The family will receive friends at the church following the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorial contributions may be made to Elkin Recreation & Parks Department, P.O. Box 345, Elkin, NC 28621 or Elkin First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 69, Elkin NC, 28621

The family would like to thank Ginger Lowe, her husband Chester and all the devoted care givers who took such loving care of Dan and Sallie in their final years.

John Kennedy, funeral director, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.  Online condolences may be made to www.jkennedyfsl.com .