Celebrating the Life of
Nantz Parker
December 19, 1991 — October 14, 2023
Obituary
Walter Nantz Parker died on Saturday, October 14, 2023, after a motorcycle accident, which took place on October 2, 2023. Over those 12 days, he fought hard, was periodically conscious, and showed remarkable signs of recovery. By all accounts, he was expected to be home by Christmas. The night of the 14th, he suddenly declined and could not be resuscitated. His incredible medical team fought hard for him, and are still unsure about why his path took such a turn.
He was 31 years old and is survived by his wife, Lindsey Parker of 13 years, and his baby girl, Nel Frances Parker. He is also survived by his mom, Sharon Parker, his dad, Larry Parker, his brother, Lance Parker, sister-in-law, Johanna Parker, niece, Magnolia Parker, nephew, Leo Parker, his in-laws, Michael and Martha Conner, and his brother-in-law, Chad Conner. Beyond these close family members, Nantz is survived by countless friends who he called family. The man knew no strangers and loved genuinely.
Nantz’s passing is incredibly devastating and unexpected. Because of this, we’ll plan to celebrate his life in the coming months when we can throw the party he deserves. In the meantime, please join us in sharing memories, photos and stories through this online memorial. If you’d like to contribute financially to help with medical and other expenses, you can do so [here.](https://www.gofundme.com/f/nantz-parker?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer)
Lastly, in lieu of flowers, please consider one of the following:
[Donate Blood](https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html) - Nantz survived an incredible amount of blood loss when he first arrived at the hospital, affording his family a few more precious days and one last “I love you.” That was only possible because of the generous blood donations from strangers we’ll never meet. If you can brave the needle, please consider donating at least once in his honor.
[Contribute to protecting the Appalachian Trail](https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/contribute/) - This past spring, Nantz hiked a third of the Appalachian Trail and had plans of finishing it in the coming years. The trail taught Nantz to “be where your feet are” and to give yourself grace. We have plans to finish this adventure for him soon. If you’d like to make sure Trail Magic can exist for years to come, consider making a donation in his memory.
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
Walter was my mentor for my two years at Summer. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. We were fast friends and he always knew what to say to make you laugh on harder days in the office. He seemed to know the answer to any problem and was always there when you needed him. He will be greatly missed.
One of my favorite coworkers to ever share an office with. Always full of joy, happiness, and willingness to extend a warm welcome to everybody he was around. Rest in peace my dear friend.
I met Nantz when he was in 4th grade and he and my son, Dennis, were in the same class. He was quite a character from the start with his quick smile, sense of humor and mischievous nature. He was at our house frequently and we shared many weekends at Lake Gaston and Snowshoe. He was fearless when trying anything new and could always make us laugh! As he grew older we would see him occasionally and I was always greeted with the biggest hug and a “hi Mrs. T”. We would start talking like I just saw him last week instead of two years ago. Nantz never held back about expressing his love for his mom and then for his beautiful wife, Lindsey. I heard about the college orientation meeting right after it happened and as the years continued it was clear they were soulmates. Nantz was so excited and happy to start their lives together. I was honored to attend their wedding and witness their great love and commitment to each other as well as having a good time at the reception eating tacos, dancing and seeing everyone who loved them celebrate with them. Nantz accomplished so much in his 31 years and even though our hearts are broken we can honor him by following his example of love, family, caring, friendship and adventure.
After high school, I didn't see much of Nantz until I started working at Onelife VB Blvd. He would come in almost everyday with nothing but smiles and positive words! I enjoyed talking with him consistently about life, music, sports, and getting the occasional workout in. Rest in peace bro!
I got to know Walter over last summer during my internship with the company he worked at. He kept the office environment light and fun. From bringing me Chick-fil-A breakfast in the morning, to trading advice about fantasy football, he was always a great person to be around. My prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be missed but never forgotten. 🕊️
There’s really just no words. No words to describe the type of person Nantz was. No words to describe the devastation his family and many people who love him feel. His vibrant, silly, kind, larger than life existence. The incredibly rare type of person that most likely left a lasting impression on you even if you only met him once. He is the definition of genuine love. He could make you laugh at your lowest and showed up every time in the truest ways, without being asked. I witnessed this side of him many times as my husband’s best friend and “person” in life. I always felt like they kind of completed the other. Him and his family are no less than family to us. I’ll never stop missing him, his brightness, and biggest hugs ever. I feel incredibly blessed that I got to know him, though I wish we had so very much longer. The short years with him will be treasured always.. As we navigate this new version of life, I hope to try to live in a way that I feel would make Nantz happy. To do what makes us feel most alive and love without holding back. We’ll make sure our kids grow up knowing you, uncle Nantz, and everything you are. We will never stop missing you, and cannot wait to see you again one day 🌦️♥️
Meet Nantz when I started working at Autobell, seems like ages ago but he was always one to say hello and help you when you needed it. Always had a smile on his face, like it was the best day. RIP
Walter always stopped by to say hello, he always reached out to see how everyone around him was doing. He was genuinely a kind, thoughtful, and wonderful person. He took the time to talk to everyone, not just working, but being present. It was amazing to see how happy he was after hiking and having a baby. He will be missed so much at our office.
You were such a blessing to be around, Nantz. Your love for Linds was something we all were incredibly jealous of and wished we could come anywhere close to possessing. You were constantly overjoyed whenever we saw each other and I'll never get to see that smile again except in the photos I manage to find. I'm a world away, but please know my heart is in absolute pieces thinking of the empty space you have left. Rest well, brother. You are dearly missed.
From high school to college, you always had me laughing. Everyone just loved you. You will be missed deeply.
It was January 2003. My family had just moved to the Hampton Roads area. I was 11 years old. Saying I hated this move was an understatement. I missed my friends, my home, everything. Until one day I see this little quirky red headed kid across the street. Little did I know, he was going to be my best friend, my only friend for a long time. This little quirky red headed kid was Walter Nantz Parker. He quickly became not just my best friend but a part of the family, just like another brother. We did absolutely everything together; from just hanging at each of our houses, to playing soccer together, to going to Busch gardens with the whole family, I would even go to iHop with him and his mom after every middle school wrestling match. The ONLY person I have ever known to put sugar on their grits, that was Nantz. I was also the only one who would actually call him Walter. He was just always there. Hiding on top of the columns in our foyer when my dad got home because “nobody was supposed to be in the house after school until he got home” and then Nantz would just pop down like he had just arrived. Him constantly running over to our house to get away from his big brother Lance. The constant games of man hunt that we would play with everybody else in the neighborhood with my dad’s big red truck as base, and may I say we always dominated. Everybody constantly taking over my parents living room and just being together. Fast forward to high school, college, jobs, life, and time just flying by and our relationship drifting apart. I’m finding it hard not to blame myself. Nantz, I just saw you about 2 months ago. We talked and laughed like no time had passed, we talked about old times and how we’d love to get together more and how we missed all the time we used to spend together as kids. Tommy and Amelia were able to meet Nel and the whole day just felt perfect. Little did I know that this would be the last time I ever saw you. I’m so heartbroken right now. I’m heartbroken for all the years that passed that we weren’t a part of each others lives. Heartbroken for the loss of one of my childhood best friends. Heartbroken for your lovely wife and daughter, your parents and brother, and all your friends. You were taken way to soon and we’ll never know exactly why. That may be the hardest part of it all. I’m grateful for the last time I saw you and all the catching up we did. And I’m so sad we’ll never get the chance to reconnect like we wanted. I’ll miss you forever. Rest easy my dear friend.
It was January 2003. My family had just moved to the Hampton Roads area. I was 11 years old. Saying I hated this move was an understatement. I missed my friends, my home, everything. Until one day I see this little quirky red headed kid across the street. Little did I know, he was going to be my best friend, my only friend for a long time. This little quirky red headed kid was Walter Nantz Parker. He quickly became not just my best friend but a part of the family, just like another brother. We did absolutely everything together; from just hanging at each of our houses, to playing soccer together, to going to Busch gardens with the whole family, I would even go to iHop with him and his mom after every middle school wrestling match. The ONLY person I have ever known to put sugar on their grits, that was Nantz. I was also the only one who would actually call him Walter. He was just always there. Hiding on top of the columns in our foyer when my dad got home because “nobody was supposed to be in the house after school until he got home” and then Nantz would just pop down like he had just arrived. Him constantly running over to our house to get away from his big brother Lance. The constant games of man hunt that we would play with everybody else in the neighborhood with my dad’s big red truck as base, and may I say we always dominated. Everybody constantly taking over my parents living room and just being together. Fast forward to high school, college, jobs, life, and time just flying by and our relationship drifting apart. I’m finding it hard not to blame myself. Nantz, I just saw you about 2 months ago. We talked and laughed like no time had passed, we talked about old times and how we’d love to get together more and how we missed all the time we used to spend together as kids. Tommy and Amelia were able to meet Nel and the whole day just felt perfect. Little did I know that this would be the last time I ever saw you. I’m so heartbroken right now. I’m heartbroken for all the years that passed that we weren’t a part of each others lives. Heartbroken for the loss of one of my childhood best friends. Heartbroken for your lovely wife and daughter, your parents and brother, and all your friends. You were taken way to soon and we’ll never know exactly why. That may be the hardest part of it all. I’m grateful for the last time I saw you and all the catching up we did. And I’m so sad we’ll never get the chance to reconnect like we wanted. I’ll miss you forever. Rest easy my dear friend.
The first day I met you, you were beating a boombox with a baseball bat in your driveway and offered me a swing. I just want to express how much I appreciate that because that was the moment our friendship began. You were the funniest kid I’ve ever met. As I sit here and type this, all I can do is wish I could turn back time and hang out with you more as we grew older. I’ll never forget you bud. I’m proud of the man you turned into. Rest easy my friend.
Walt was one of those people you enjoyed being around. Such a terrible loss for us all.
Nantz was a terrific teammate on the Old Dominion University Men’s Rugby Team. I had the privilege of coaching him, and it truly was a privilege. He was a totally committed player, and loved by our entire team. I’ll never forget his one serious injury…afterwards, Nance was still out with the team at practices and games supporting our squads. He was truly a man amongst men. My sincere heartfelt condolences to his family and his many teammates.
Nance spend many days and nights at my house, due to his brother and my son Josh. They used to get off the bus after school and would stay for dinner and some overnights. I always considered them family, I never saw them again after I left Virginia but he will forever be in my heart. Fly high, Nance, love you
Ray and I loved Nantz! Thinking of all the Parker family.
Anyone who had the opportunity to know Nantz is a better person because of it. That smile could light up a room from a mile away. Always up for an adventure and no better friend. You certainly will be missed.
Nantz- You gave the BEST hugs ever, always putting a smile on everyone’s face and always up for an adventure - I adored you. This breaks my heart. Sending so much love to your family and those who had the chance to know and love you. xoxo
My birthday twin, someone who literally could make you laugh on your worst day. Remembering all the highschool memories. Just recently saw him at the beach and he was raving about his wife and daughter. Life is so unfair and I am sending all my love to his family and close friends!
Remembering elementary, middle, and high school days of Nantz. ❤️ He was always such a light, could make you laugh at any point, and just someone you wanted to be around. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and best friends.
Nantz was an amazing friend, husband, and father. He will be missed dearly, but not a day will go by when I don’t think about you and live my life with you in my heart.
Our family is left with such a huge hole without Nantz. He was a wonderful uncle, brother, and brother-in-law. Our kiddos lit up when he entered the room. They always looked forward to holidays and adventures with Uncle Nantz. We love you Nantz!
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