Birth date: Oct 19, 1988 Death date: Jan 2, 2016
Chitwood, Joel Parks, 27, of Tampa, FL passed away Jan. 2, 2016. Survivors include his father, Gregory Parks Chitwood and mother, Jeffrey Ann Hanley, brother, Shane Douglas O'Neil and wife Aimee O'Neil and Joel's loving rescue dog Read Obituary
I have known the family of Joel for many years and have always loved the way his grandmother adored Joel and Shane. She would be so excited to show me pictures of her "boys". My heart breaks for the family and those who knew Joel. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
With love, Ann Thortsen
I only worked a short time with Joel last year in Melbourne at Cheddars, but we became friends right away as I was his trainer the first week. I live within a block of work, so sometimes if he got to work too early he'd stop over and hang out with me & my husband and our two boys. He was so sweet to my kids, he and my husband connected easily, and he was always so fun to be around. We had a group of work friends that would go to the beach weekly, I picked him up a couple of times so he could join. At one point, my car broke down and when I just happened to mention the issue to Joel, he told me he could fix it. He came over the next day, and in the middle of a hot sunny day he labored over my car as just a favor. As I said, I've known him for still less than a year, but he already meant a lot to me and my family, his loss is one that totally shocked me and it hurts to know I've lost a friend. Rest in peace, Joel, I'll be seeing you again one day. <3
Our son Donnie played football at TBYFL and they became friends. My husband Don coached him. Joel always had that infectious smile on his face! I had the chance to see Joel a couple of years ago and he was just like I had remembered him as a young boy - all smiles and so nice and polite. He brought up memories of times with Donnie. It was so great to see him. I know Donnie had also just seen him recently and they had a great talk. He will be missed. Our condolences to Greg, Jeffrey, and Shane. Karen, Don, and Donnie Short
Sweet Joely, you were my brother. I used to love how Shane would laugh around you, sincere belly laughs that could go on for hours when you two were together. I remember knocks on the door in the middle of the day thinking it was a sales call and it would be you stopping by just to see who was home and say what's up, no doubt hungry or with a bag of McDonalds (in which I would proceed to lecture you on how bad it was for you and you would just smile and say " you knew"). Miko loved your visits as he would have your full attention, but at the same time you would always as how I was with the utmost sincerity. Remember when we did the Triathlon together and somehow your brother Shane convinced us both he knew how to fix our bikes, and then you did almost the entire race with your front wheel about to pop off! I couldn't possibly have just one favorite memory as each one brings up another that is sweeter. Joel, you will always be with us so we will continue to create memories with and for you.
With Love Forever,
Aimee
Joely,
Although we were born cousins, you and Shane have always been like brothers to me. You had so many amazing qualities... So smart, handsome, funny, sweet. Your smile lit up a room. I'm blessed to have so many great memories of you. Even when you were little and always wore camouflage, like my dad's old Army uniform that was huge on you! I have so many memories of my dad "babysitting" you, which meant he would sleeping on the couch and I would run around making sure you didn't get into anything! You were always creating something! My funniest memory with you will always be when I talked you and Shane into trying a backflip. Shane chickened out, you volunteered. Lol. Someone got distracted when we were "spotting" you and you ended up on your back when your legs over your head, while Shane and I argued over who wasn't ready. Then I laughed so hard... (you know the rest). 😉 I will hold on to cherish every memory I have. I will wish you more than I can even put into words. The world may have gotten dimmer since you're gone, but Heaven got so much brighter. I know you will be watching over us, and I will see you again. I love you so much little Joely. ❤️
Love always and forever,
Andrea
I had the extraordinary treasure to work with Joel for a time. While life took us on different paths, my memories of him are warm. His genuine smile lit up a room. His warmth enveloped all around him. His easy way was infectious. I am so blessed to have called him friend, if only for a little while. My prayers go out to the close friends and family left to celebrate his life. I know he loved you immensely, he told me so!
