Russell Parker Smilie

Born on the Fourth of July in Montgomery, Alabama, Parker Smilie lived a life of kindness, laughter, and love for the people around him, which shaped the man he became. He especially loved the holidays; no season lit up his spirit more than Christmas, when he’d eagerly await the joy of family gatherings, thoughtful gifts, incessant Christmas music, and celebrations that reminded him of what mattered most: being together. That same youthful exuberance carried into every stage of his life, fueling a deep love for adventure, curiosity, tradition, and exploring the world with the people he loved.

A graduate of St. James High School, Parker attended the University of South Alabama before transferring to the University of Alabama, where he earned his degree in Hospitality Management. His natural gift for making others feel welcome and cared for made hospitality a perfect fit. For the first decade of his career, he managed hotels across Alabama and Louisiana, where his leadership, generosity, and infectious humor left a lasting mark on colleagues and guests alike.

Yet, Parker’s heart was always drawn to the water – a love born during summers spent with family at their cabin on Lake Martin. It was there that he was taught how to sail by his father who had been taught by his father – he was indeed, a true “son of a son of a sailor”. Driven by his passion, he made the bold move to Fort Lauderdale and launched a new career in Miami, joining the crew of the 222-foot Seafair luxury mega yacht, Grand Luxe. Through relentless hard work and dedication, Parker earned his U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master Captain’s License and rose to the rank of First Officer. Soon after, he launched his own career as a professional captain and embarked on a dream project with his younger brother – building their own Miami-based luxury charter experience, Bella Vita. It was the culmination of his lifelong love for the water, adventure, and creating unforgettable experiences for others.

It was in Miami that Parker met the lovely woman who would become his wife. Their marriage fulfilled his dream of becoming a husband and starting a life together with the woman he loved.

Parker brought his spirit to every room he entered – a loving husband, devoted son, proud brother, and loyal friend. With his magnetic personality and sense of humor, his spirit embodied the essence of a “golden retriever” who made everyone feel at home. He lived for the simple joys: cheering on Alabama football, swapping stories on deck with friends at sea, sharing holiday traditions with family, or planning his next adventure. Those who knew Parker knew a man who loved deeply, laughed often, and never stopped chasing the horizon.

Parker was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hilda and Russell Gibson of Troy, Alabama; Jeanette and C. Parker Smilie, Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama; and his uncle, Chris Smilie of Montgomery, Alabama. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diana Garcia Smilie; his devoted parents, Melissa and Bo Smilie of Troy, Alabama; his brother and best friend, Gibson Clay Smilie of Washington, D.C.; his aunt Charlotte Gibson of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; his aunt and uncle Peggy and Greg Gilbert of Birmingham, Alabama; his aunt and uncle Rusty and Mary Katherine Gibson of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; his aunt Tadie Smilie; and his uncle Brett Gibson – along with many more loving family members and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

Parker went home to be with God peacefully, surrounded by love and his family, with his favorite music playing softly – a reflection of the comfort and joy with which he lived his life. It’s been said that someone in heaven must have needed a big brother, and they got an extraordinary one. Parker’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him – in the laughter he shared, the adventures he sparked, and the love he gave so freely. God truly blessed all of us with Parker and we are so thankful for that blessing.