William "Holt" Parke Obituary (1962 - 2021)

We are heartbroken to announce that William Holt Parke (59) passed away on Sunday, December 19, after a three-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and daughters, Susan, Jordan and Jenna (his "girls"), holding his hands as he left them. Holt Parke was the kind of person who impacted each and every person he met. He was the most loving husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. The best friend to anyone and everyone he met. It's hard to sum up the kind of person he was. He was everything. He was so full of life and he lived that life out loud, with all of the joy, charisma, humor, strength, love and compassion of a thousand lives. Holt is survived by his adoring wife, Susan, his two daughters, Jordan and Jenna, his sons-in-law, Pat Campbell and Codie Mitchell, and his four grandchildren, Jesse, Harper, Carter and Henley. He leaves behind his loving parents, John and Judy Parke of Malvern, PA, where Holt spent much of his childhood. He also leaves his brothers, John (Lindsay) and Tim (Anne) Parke and his many beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren. A countless number of friends, who were made to feel like family, have been left as well. Holt was born on February 11, 1962, into the loving family of John and Judy Parke. He spent his childhood playing and joking around with his brothers, taking the mischievous role of middle child quite seriously. Four of his favorite years were spent at West Virginia University, where he made lifelong friends and went on to pass down a love of Mountaineer life to his daughters. After graduating, Holt started his career in medical sales with Johnson & Johnson. While calling on one of his hospitals (Fairfax, VA), he ran into Susan Thompson, who he immediately fell in love with and made his wife two years later. Holt continued to climb through Johnson & Johnson and later, specifically Cordis Vascular, impressing and inspiring everyone he met along the way. When he retired in 2021, he left behind an incomparable legacy. The Holt Parke Legend Award is now being given annually to a sales representative who best exemplifies Holt's never-ending drive for patient health, his humble and positive outlook and his focus on taking care of his teammates and pride in his company. Alongside of his professional career, Holt was the proud inventor and owner of a patent for an integral can tab lifter, which he would have loved to dedicate his retired life to selling for commercial use. After Holt and Susan were married, they moved from Virginia to Michigan and then back again. They raised their daughters in the mountains of Boyce, Virginia, surrounded by every ounce of support and love that could be given. They were the picture-perfect example of true love and they inspired everyone around them. Their love eventually led them to build a home at Lake Anna, VA, where they resided happily together until Holt's passing. The home Holt built for his family wasn't just meant for the two of them - it was meant for any and every family member and friend that wanted to visit. Their door was and is always open. What Holt loved most in life was making others laugh, and he was the best at it. There was no limit to lengths he would go to make you smile. He was happiest when he was surrounded by friends and family, playing cornhole, driving his boat and deer hunting. There is no doubt that those he touched will feel him whenever they do his favorite things. He left his mark on this world and will never be forgotten. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Holt's life on his birthday, February 11, 4:00-7:00pm at Callie Opie's Orchard Restaurant ( in the barn). The memorial tribute will begin at 4:00 p.m. The Address is 4533 Zachary Taylor Hwy, Mineral, VA 23117. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Virginia Cancer Center, Patients & Friends Cancer Research Fund givecampus.com Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.