Edmundson Parkes
Edmundson Parkes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1904 Jefferson County, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | 1997 |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1928–1968 |
| Known for | President and CEO of United Gas Corporation (1930–1968) |
Edmundson Parkes (1904–1997) held the positions of President and CEO at United Gas Corporation, a leading oil enterprise, from its inception in 1930 until it was subject to a hostile acquisition and subsequent merger with Pennzoil in 1968. Following this takeover, he was among the select executives who continued to serve on Pennzoil’s board.[1]
Originating from Jefferson County, Alabama, Parkes was the son of Major William J. Parkes, who had been both commandant at the University of Alabama and a militia captain. His first name honors his grandmother Mary Edmundson, herself descended from George A. Wilson, a former Grand Master of the Tennessee Freemasons.[2] After earning his degree from the University of Arkansas in 1925, he began his career at United Gas Corporation in 1928 and progressively advanced through various leadership positions. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO of United Gas in 1958, he also served as president of United Gas Pipeline Company and Union Producing Company.[3]
In addition to his corporate roles, Parkes led the American Gas Association as its president and headed its Committee on Natural Gas Reserves, underscoring his significant role within the natural gas industry.[3]
He was married to Julia Alice Washburn from Monroe, Louisiana, with whom he had two daughters residing in Shreveport. Julia traced her ancestry directly to Myles Standish, a heritage she shared with the spouse of George H. W. Bush, linking notable families within the energy sector.[4]