In memoriam: Seth Parker, Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Seth Elias Parker, a production agriculture technician at Virginia Tech’s Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), died May 19, after a battle with cancer. He was 36.
Parker joined the Shenandoah Valley AREC in September 2023. In his role, he helped care for more than 900 acres of farmland and livestock, supported research efforts, maintained equipment and facilities, and assisted with outreach events.
“Seth began working at the Shenandoah Valley AREC eager to learn and help,” said Gabe Pent, superintendent of the center. “Despite a terrible diagnosis and arduous treatment plan, Seth’s motivation to make the farm a better place never waned. I see Seth’s fingerprints across the farm today — the thick stands of clover, the clean fence lines and pastures, the healthy calves. These are all testaments to Seth’s diligence and hard work. Virginia Tech was fortunate to have Seth as part of our team.”
Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in ecological and environmental biology from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern University.
He is survived by his wife, Alicia Reigel Parker; their children, Randall and Renn; and extended family and friends across North Carolina and Wisconsin.
A private celebration of life will be held on the family farm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the education and care of his children. These can be mailed to his parents at 5349 Peace Haven Drive, Newton, NC 28658, or sent via Venmo to @Alicia-ReigelParker. His obituary can be found here.