Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 11, 2025

CHARLOTTE – On Monday evening, Parker South was, as usual, early to the Myers Park High School stadium to grab a front-row seat for a competitive soccer game. A valuable member of the Mustangs baseball team, Parker, 17, was all sports, all the time. He was a proud Mustang, and he rarely missed a game. 

On Tuesday night, heartbroken and mystified, his friends were painting his number – 9 – on his spot in the school’s parking lot to honor and commemorate their beloved friend who had died that evening. Hundreds of students flooded the gym in shock and confusion. It was inexplicable to all who loved him—everyone, really—that he chose to end his life. As his brother, Holder, 14, said, “That was not the Parker we knew.” 

William Parker South was born on December 8, 2007, to Danielle and Bo South. As a toddler, his first word was “ball.” “Bah!” he would say pointing to anything round, including oranges and grapefruit. At 5, he was already addicted to ESPN. His obsession with sports was set at an early age. So was his character: he put others first; he was respectful; he was everyone’s biggest fan. He was selfless. At the age of 12, Parker was awarded the Billy Rice Award for sportsmanship, exemplifying his heart and indomitable spirit on and off the field. 

Words that surrounded Parker: “bright light,” “amazing friend,” “blessing to have known him,” “love that boy!” He loved playing golf and basketball, but most of all he loved playing baseball.  He loved the game, and he loved being on a team. He drove the neighborhood carpool to school every morning. He toted Holder and his buds anywhere they asked. He might have rolled his eyes, but he secretly loved being there for his brother.  He was an undefeated board game monster. You did not want any of his Monopoly fire. His friends loaded him up with nicknames: Captain Woah-y, P South, P Sizzle, Nine, Big Four. So did his family: Parkie, Parkie-poo, Parker Doodle. Atypically for any teenage boy, he had beautiful handwriting and wrote heartfelt thank you notes. 

Most of all, Parker was joyfully devoted to his family and friends, to sports and his teammates. The words of Coach Golden would undoubtedly make him proud, “Coaches aren’t supposed to have favorites. Mine was Parker South. A great friend. A supportive teammate. Knew when to be silly. Knew when to grind. Goofy, kind, respectful, infinitely coachable. He was loved by all and he loved back. The sting and sadness we feel cannot dim the light he shined on us…Let’s love like he did.”  

Parker is survived by his loving parents, Bo and Danielle South and his devoted brother, Holder South. His grandparents Beth Handford (Rick Handford) and Miki Mooney will miss him terribly. Parker’s uncles Tyler Corrock (Jen Helms), and Noah Richter (Jodi Richter), and step-grandmother, Carole Richter, also survive Parker, as do Parker’s aunts Leigh Howell (Kevin Howell), Blair South (Josh Humphrey); Bridges Keiger (Zach Keiger), Lee Cobb (Ashton Cobb) and his uncle Beren South. Parker’s grandfather, Brian South (Cynthia South) survives him, too. As does Parker’s great uncle, Bill South (Patsy South). Parker’s cousins who survive him are: Simmons and Chase Howell, Evelyn and Addison Keiger, Ava Richter, and Owen and Lydia Cobb. He was preceded in passing by his grandfather, Don Richter.  

A visitation will be held in the gym of Myers Park High School on Saturday, November 15 from 10 am –12 pm.  A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte.

LIVE STREAM: https://myersparkumc.org/worship/

To honor Parker, his family suggests a donation to the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, www.sptsusa.org/donate/. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.