Robert Carlisle Parkes Jr, 87, of Ocean City and formally of Salisbury passed April 5 peacefully at his home.
Born Saturday, July 7, 1934, to the late Robert and Grace Parks, in Parksley Virginia, Bob entered this world as a dynamic character. He was the only child of the family and was loved by all who knew him. Through the years his love of football grew as he found that the sweet high school girls were more attracted to a football player, although he admits he spent more time on the sideline than on the field. "Bobby" as he was referred to by family graduated from Parksley High School in 1954.
His proudest honor was serving his country in the US Army, serving during the Korean War. He filled those around him with stories of his time in the service and the trouble his platoon would get themselves into. But during a serious time, while assisting a fellow brother during battle, he found himself wounded and was honored by his country as a Purple Heart recipient.
Returning home and moving to Salisbury with his parents, he began working at Campbell Soup. He was well known and loved by his colleagues as "Porkchop", as he always had one in his lunchbox. Upon retirement in 1993 when the Salisbury plant closed, Bob found himself doing odd jobs to keep busy passing the time. He thoroughly enjoyed piloting Cessna and Beachcraft planes. He never met an animal he didn't love and would rather sit on the floor than make a lazy dog get off the sofa. His love of all creatures made his heart that much bigger.
In 2004, Bob met his wife, Nancy, and the adventure of life truly began. He became known simply as "Parkes" to his new family. The two found themselves sipping Rum and Cokes at all the pool bars in Mexico they could find, then headed to the beach at the end of the day to watch another perfect sunset together. He became a fan favorite during Spring Break in Punta Cana and was recognizable when they would run into familiar faces years later at a different bar or resort. Parkes was famous for his incredible beer pong skills and ability to hit a tennis ball through a small hole when he knew there was a free drink at stake. After a few years, when their daughter moved to Dubai, his international fame continued at Friday brunches on yachts in the Gulf. Parkes became legendary with his iconic "I Love Party Girls" shirt and once again became an international sensation when his famed photo was hung in Ibiza, Spain, honoring him as the legend that he was.
The party slowed down when his wife passed away in 2018 and he moved to Dubai to live with his daughter and son-in-law. Parkes was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 and although the prognosis wasn't great, he was determined to fight through it as he was expecting his first grandson. He blew everyone away when we went into complete remission. Parkes enjoyed the last few years at home with his family reading Star Trek books, writing in his journal about his adventures through life, and watching his favorite shows. In December 2021, his final wish came true when he got to take his grandson to Disney World for the first time. He rode front row of every rollercoaster and got a round of applause from all those around him. Time was winding down for him, but he had one more event to hold onto; the birth of his granddaughter in February. The days passed and Parkes left us peacefully at home in his own bed, on his own terms. He knew his time had come and when he went to bed that night, he said he prayed it would be a quiet one. And that it was. The dance lights for Parkes had gone out one last time.
Bob is survived by his loving daughter, Jessica Haden Iacovazzo, and son-in-law, Leonardo, of Ocean City. His pride and joy, his two grandchildren Vincenzo and Mina Iacovazzo. He was fortunate to love and be loved by Kyle and Allison Lankford, who were an incredible support system for him during his illness, and their son, Jacob, who he loved as another grandson. His two greatest companions, the family dogs Allan and Charley. Parkes is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Webster, sisters-in-law Pamela Ward, Lisa Davis, and Meg Hudson, and brother-in-law Arthur Webster, cousins Lisa Parry, Ann Bailey, and Patricia Martina, and the most incredible network of friends and extended family a man could wish for. His home assistant in Dubai, Nora Luzon, of the Philippines. In the last six months, he was blessed to have two wonderful helpers who passed the time with him and gave him so much love; Mylinh Miller and Patty Riebel. His family will forever be indebted to these angels who showed so much care and compassion.
Parkes was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Nancy Webster. There's no doubt the party has continued for them now that they've been reunited. His best dog, Madison, his parents, Robert and Grace Parkes, uncles Millard, James, and W. Brooks Parks, aunt Irene Parks Hillman, and father-in-law Walter Webster.
If we all take away one lesson from Parkes, it's to always find that zest for life deep within you. Live every day like it's the last party you'll ever attend. Laugh, dance, and drink that drink. Parkes was truly the happiest person in this world. Never a bad day, never a dull moment, never a complaint in the world. Live a day like Parkes and spread kindness, generosity, and treat all those around you like you'd want to be treated yourself. And make sure you always have a treat in your pocket, because you never knew when you'll find a dog that's looking for one.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 15th at 11:00 am at Holloway Funeral Home, followed by a small service where the family hopes everyone will share their favorite memory of Parkes. The family asks that you wear your favorite Hawaiian or party shirt in memory of his stellar attire.
Interment will follow the service at Parsons Cemetery.
Born Saturday, July 7, 1934, to the late Robert and Grace Parks, in Parksley Virginia, Bob entered this world as a dynamic character. He was the only child of the family and was loved by all who knew him. Through the years his love of football grew as he found that the sweet high school girls were more attracted to a football player, although he admits he spent more time on the sideline than on the field. "Bobby" as he was referred to by family graduated from Parksley High School in 1954.
His proudest honor was serving his country in the US Army, serving during the Korean War. He filled those around him with stories of his time in the service and the trouble his platoon would get themselves into. But during a serious time, while assisting a fellow brother during battle, he found himself wounded and was honored by his country as a Purple Heart recipient.
Returning home and moving to Salisbury with his parents, he began working at Campbell Soup. He was well known and loved by his colleagues as "Porkchop", as he always had one in his lunchbox. Upon retirement in 1993 when the Salisbury plant closed, Bob found himself doing odd jobs to keep busy passing the time. He thoroughly enjoyed piloting Cessna and Beachcraft planes. He never met an animal he didn't love and would rather sit on the floor than make a lazy dog get off the sofa. His love of all creatures made his heart that much bigger.
In 2004, Bob met his wife, Nancy, and the adventure of life truly began. He became known simply as "Parkes" to his new family. The two found themselves sipping Rum and Cokes at all the pool bars in Mexico they could find, then headed to the beach at the end of the day to watch another perfect sunset together. He became a fan favorite during Spring Break in Punta Cana and was recognizable when they would run into familiar faces years later at a different bar or resort. Parkes was famous for his incredible beer pong skills and ability to hit a tennis ball through a small hole when he knew there was a free drink at stake. After a few years, when their daughter moved to Dubai, his international fame continued at Friday brunches on yachts in the Gulf. Parkes became legendary with his iconic "I Love Party Girls" shirt and once again became an international sensation when his famed photo was hung in Ibiza, Spain, honoring him as the legend that he was.
The party slowed down when his wife passed away in 2018 and he moved to Dubai to live with his daughter and son-in-law. Parkes was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 and although the prognosis wasn't great, he was determined to fight through it as he was expecting his first grandson. He blew everyone away when we went into complete remission. Parkes enjoyed the last few years at home with his family reading Star Trek books, writing in his journal about his adventures through life, and watching his favorite shows. In December 2021, his final wish came true when he got to take his grandson to Disney World for the first time. He rode front row of every rollercoaster and got a round of applause from all those around him. Time was winding down for him, but he had one more event to hold onto; the birth of his granddaughter in February. The days passed and Parkes left us peacefully at home in his own bed, on his own terms. He knew his time had come and when he went to bed that night, he said he prayed it would be a quiet one. And that it was. The dance lights for Parkes had gone out one last time.
Bob is survived by his loving daughter, Jessica Haden Iacovazzo, and son-in-law, Leonardo, of Ocean City. His pride and joy, his two grandchildren Vincenzo and Mina Iacovazzo. He was fortunate to love and be loved by Kyle and Allison Lankford, who were an incredible support system for him during his illness, and their son, Jacob, who he loved as another grandson. His two greatest companions, the family dogs Allan and Charley. Parkes is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Webster, sisters-in-law Pamela Ward, Lisa Davis, and Meg Hudson, and brother-in-law Arthur Webster, cousins Lisa Parry, Ann Bailey, and Patricia Martina, and the most incredible network of friends and extended family a man could wish for. His home assistant in Dubai, Nora Luzon, of the Philippines. In the last six months, he was blessed to have two wonderful helpers who passed the time with him and gave him so much love; Mylinh Miller and Patty Riebel. His family will forever be indebted to these angels who showed so much care and compassion.
Parkes was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Nancy Webster. There's no doubt the party has continued for them now that they've been reunited. His best dog, Madison, his parents, Robert and Grace Parkes, uncles Millard, James, and W. Brooks Parks, aunt Irene Parks Hillman, and father-in-law Walter Webster.
If we all take away one lesson from Parkes, it's to always find that zest for life deep within you. Live every day like it's the last party you'll ever attend. Laugh, dance, and drink that drink. Parkes was truly the happiest person in this world. Never a bad day, never a dull moment, never a complaint in the world. Live a day like Parkes and spread kindness, generosity, and treat all those around you like you'd want to be treated yourself. And make sure you always have a treat in your pocket, because you never knew when you'll find a dog that's looking for one.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 15th at 11:00 am at Holloway Funeral Home, followed by a small service where the family hopes everyone will share their favorite memory of Parkes. The family asks that you wear your favorite Hawaiian or party shirt in memory of his stellar attire.
Interment will follow the service at Parsons Cemetery.
Robert Carlisle Parkes Jr, 87, of Ocean City and formally of Salisbury passed April 5 peacefully at his home.
Born Saturday, July 7, 1934, to the late Robert and Grace Parks, in Parksley Virginia, Bob entered this world as a dynamic character. He was the only child of the family and was loved by all who knew him. Through the years his love of football grew as he found that the sweet high school girls were more attracted to a football player, although he admits he spent more time on the sideline than on the field. "Bobby" as he was referred to by family graduated from Parksley High School in 1954.
His proudest honor was serving his country in the US Army, serving during the Korean War. He filled those around him with stories of his time in the service and the trouble his platoon would get themselves into. But during a serious time, while assisting a fellow brother during battle, he found himself wounded and was honored by his country as a Purple Heart recipient.
Returning home and moving to Salisbury with his parents, he began working at Campbell Soup. He was well known and loved by his colleagues as "Porkchop", as he always had one in his lunchbox. Upon retirement in 1993 when the Salisbury plant closed, Bob found himself doing odd jobs to keep busy passing the time. He thoroughly enjoyed piloting Cessna and Beachcraft planes. He never met an animal he didn't love and would rather sit on the floor than make a lazy dog get off the sofa. His love of all creatures made his heart that much bigger.
In 2004, Bob met his wife, Nancy, and the adventure of life truly began. He became known simply as "Parkes" to his new family. The two found themselves sipping Rum and Cokes at all the pool bars in Mexico they could find, then headed to the beach at the end of the day to watch another perfect sunset together. He became a fan favorite during Spring Break in Punta Cana and was recognizable when they would run into familiar faces years later at a different bar or resort. Parkes was famous for his incredible beer pong skills and ability to hit a tennis ball through a small hole when he knew there was a free drink at stake. After a few years, when their daughter moved to Dubai, his international fame continued at Friday brunches on yachts in the Gulf. Parkes became legendary with his iconic "I Love Party Girls" shirt and once again became an international sensation when his famed photo was hung in Ibiza, Spain, honoring him as the legend that he was.
The party slowed down when his wife passed away in 2018 and he moved to Dubai to live with his daughter and son-in-law. Parkes was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 and although the prognosis wasn't great, he was determined to fight through it as he was expecting his first grandson. He blew everyone away when we went into complete remission. Parkes enjoyed the last few years at home with his family reading Star Trek books, writing in his journal about his adventures through life, and watching his favorite shows. In December 2021, his final wish came true when he got to take his grandson to Disney World for the first time. He rode front row of every rollercoaster and got a round of applause from all those around him. Time was winding down for him, but he had one more event to hold onto; the birth of his granddaughter in February. The days passed and Parkes left us peacefully at home in his own bed, on his own terms. He knew his time had come and when he went to bed that night, he said he prayed it would be a quiet one. And that it was. The dance lights for Parkes had gone out one last time.
Bob is survived by his loving daughter, Jessica Haden Iacovazzo, and son-in-law, Leonardo, of Ocean City. His pride and joy, his two grandchildren Vincenzo and Mina Iacovazzo. He was fortunate to love and be loved by Kyle and Allison Lankford, who were an incredible support system for him during his illness, and their son, Jacob, who he loved as another grandson. His two greatest companions, the family dogs Allan and Charley. Parkes is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Webster, sisters-in-law Pamela Ward, Lisa Davis, and Meg Hudson, and brother-in-law Arthur Webster, cousins Lisa Parry, Ann Bailey, and Patricia Martina, and the most incredible network of friends and extended family a man could wish for. His home assistant in Dubai, Nora Luzon, of the Philippines. In the last six months, he was blessed to have two wonderful helpers who passed the time with him and gave him so much love; Mylinh Miller and Patty Riebel. His family will forever be indebted to these angels who showed so much care and compassion.
Parkes was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Nancy Webster. There's no doubt the party has continued for them now that they've been reunited. His best dog, Madison, his parents, Robert and Grace Parkes, uncles Millard, James, and W. Brooks Parks, aunt Irene Parks Hillman, and father-in-law Walter Webster.
If we all take away one lesson from Parkes, it's to always find that zest for life deep within you. Live every day like it's the last party you'll ever attend. Laugh, dance, and drink that drink. Parkes was truly the happiest person in this world. Never a bad day, never a dull moment, never a complaint in the world. Live a day like Parkes and spread kindness, generosity, and treat all those around you like you'd want to be treated yourself. And make sure you always have a treat in your pocket, because you never knew when you'll find a dog that's looking for one.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 15th at 11:00 am at Holloway Funeral Home, followed by a small service where the family hopes everyone will share their favorite memory of Parkes. The family asks that you wear your favorite Hawaiian or party shirt in memory of his stellar attire.
Interment will follow the service at Parsons Cemetery.
Born Saturday, July 7, 1934, to the late Robert and Grace Parks, in Parksley Virginia, Bob entered this world as a dynamic character. He was the only child of the family and was loved by all who knew him. Through the years his love of football grew as he found that the sweet high school girls were more attracted to a football player, although he admits he spent more time on the sideline than on the field. "Bobby" as he was referred to by family graduated from Parksley High School in 1954.
His proudest honor was serving his country in the US Army, serving during the Korean War. He filled those around him with stories of his time in the service and the trouble his platoon would get themselves into. But during a serious time, while assisting a fellow brother during battle, he found himself wounded and was honored by his country as a Purple Heart recipient.
Returning home and moving to Salisbury with his parents, he began working at Campbell Soup. He was well known and loved by his colleagues as "Porkchop", as he always had one in his lunchbox. Upon retirement in 1993 when the Salisbury plant closed, Bob found himself doing odd jobs to keep busy passing the time. He thoroughly enjoyed piloting Cessna and Beachcraft planes. He never met an animal he didn't love and would rather sit on the floor than make a lazy dog get off the sofa. His love of all creatures made his heart that much bigger.
In 2004, Bob met his wife, Nancy, and the adventure of life truly began. He became known simply as "Parkes" to his new family. The two found themselves sipping Rum and Cokes at all the pool bars in Mexico they could find, then headed to the beach at the end of the day to watch another perfect sunset together. He became a fan favorite during Spring Break in Punta Cana and was recognizable when they would run into familiar faces years later at a different bar or resort. Parkes was famous for his incredible beer pong skills and ability to hit a tennis ball through a small hole when he knew there was a free drink at stake. After a few years, when their daughter moved to Dubai, his international fame continued at Friday brunches on yachts in the Gulf. Parkes became legendary with his iconic "I Love Party Girls" shirt and once again became an international sensation when his famed photo was hung in Ibiza, Spain, honoring him as the legend that he was.
The party slowed down when his wife passed away in 2018 and he moved to Dubai to live with his daughter and son-in-law. Parkes was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 and although the prognosis wasn't great, he was determined to fight through it as he was expecting his first grandson. He blew everyone away when we went into complete remission. Parkes enjoyed the last few years at home with his family reading Star Trek books, writing in his journal about his adventures through life, and watching his favorite shows. In December 2021, his final wish came true when he got to take his grandson to Disney World for the first time. He rode front row of every rollercoaster and got a round of applause from all those around him. Time was winding down for him, but he had one more event to hold onto; the birth of his granddaughter in February. The days passed and Parkes left us peacefully at home in his own bed, on his own terms. He knew his time had come and when he went to bed that night, he said he prayed it would be a quiet one. And that it was. The dance lights for Parkes had gone out one last time.
Bob is survived by his loving daughter, Jessica Haden Iacovazzo, and son-in-law, Leonardo, of Ocean City. His pride and joy, his two grandchildren Vincenzo and Mina Iacovazzo. He was fortunate to love and be loved by Kyle and Allison Lankford, who were an incredible support system for him during his illness, and their son, Jacob, who he loved as another grandson. His two greatest companions, the family dogs Allan and Charley. Parkes is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Webster, sisters-in-law Pamela Ward, Lisa Davis, and Meg Hudson, and brother-in-law Arthur Webster, cousins Lisa Parry, Ann Bailey, and Patricia Martina, and the most incredible network of friends and extended family a man could wish for. His home assistant in Dubai, Nora Luzon, of the Philippines. In the last six months, he was blessed to have two wonderful helpers who passed the time with him and gave him so much love; Mylinh Miller and Patty Riebel. His family will forever be indebted to these angels who showed so much care and compassion.
Parkes was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Nancy Webster. There's no doubt the party has continued for them now that they've been reunited. His best dog, Madison, his parents, Robert and Grace Parkes, uncles Millard, James, and W. Brooks Parks, aunt Irene Parks Hillman, and father-in-law Walter Webster.
If we all take away one lesson from Parkes, it's to always find that zest for life deep within you. Live every day like it's the last party you'll ever attend. Laugh, dance, and drink that drink. Parkes was truly the happiest person in this world. Never a bad day, never a dull moment, never a complaint in the world. Live a day like Parkes and spread kindness, generosity, and treat all those around you like you'd want to be treated yourself. And make sure you always have a treat in your pocket, because you never knew when you'll find a dog that's looking for one.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 15th at 11:00 am at Holloway Funeral Home, followed by a small service where the family hopes everyone will share their favorite memory of Parkes. The family asks that you wear your favorite Hawaiian or party shirt in memory of his stellar attire.
Interment will follow the service at Parsons Cemetery.
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