Parke Farr Smith (1920-2013)

He was born in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from St. Christopher's School and attended the University of Virginia until 1942 when he enlisted in the Royal Air Force to join England's war effort. He was the last U.S. pilot to be accepted into the RAF via their training scheme at War Eagle Field, Los Angeles. As a Flight-Lieutenant, he flew Spitfires, P-51s and Hurricanes through numerous reconnaissance and combat missions over Europe and Africa, notably with 225 Squadron. In 1946, after the war, he returned home to work for the family business, Eastern Building Supply, which he ran from his father's death until his retirement in 1985. Nonetheless, he continued his love for flying by entertaining others as a stunt pilot for Barnstormers Airshows and flight competitions domestically and abroad until retiring in his late seventies.

He was the author of "A Virginian in Best Blue," chronicling his experiences as a pilot in the RAF. In addition to flying, Parke enjoyed sailing, skiing, photography and making furniture. He was President of the Virginia Open Garden Association and a member of the Country Club of Virginia; Richmond German; Royal Air Force Club; and the Cruising Club of America. In 1948, he married Alice Burwell Preston who inherited their magnificent 18th century home, Fairfield. They were the parents of four children: Christie Reed Smith; Preston Sheffey Smith; James Alexander Smith II; and, Parke Burwell Smith.