Walter Mitchell Boyette, 59 years young. He was better known to everyone as "Mickey," "Smiley," or even "Rolo." On February 1st, Mickey Boyette went to be with his mother and father, Margaret and Leroy Boyette. He passed peacefully surrounded by his high school sweetheart- wife of 40 years and three daughters.

The man. The Myth. The legend. Mickey graduated from Kempsville high school in the class of 1980. In his senior year, he was voted "Most Friendliest." He was the captain of Kempsville's football & baseball team and a lover of all sports- his favorite being football. You better believe there was never a game he missed or a super bowl party he sat out on. He attended the University of Richmond on a full scholarship for football, but after a year, he realized his passion was being home with his family.

Very much like his father, he was a young entrepreneur. He had multiple businesses; Country Decor, Heirlooms of Tomorrow (Virginia Beach and Suffolk) and Heirloom Homes. He was always told "everything he touches turns to gold." In 2001, he moved the family to Suffolk to restore a grand estate- The Darden Mansion. He had his heart set on this landmark for years, dreaming of how it would look in all its glory after he finally got his hands on it. After months of hard work with his wife by his side, his attention-to-detail caught the eye of HGTV, where the estate was featured on multiple networks. He continued restoring many historical homes in the area, and was appointed to the Historical Landmark Commission- later receiving the title of vice chairman. His most recent accomplishment was restoring and operating, "The First Lady of Suffolk".

All who met him would agree he was the epitome of kindness and compassion. He made sure to instill that in each of his daughters and grandchildren. He was a hero and someone who everyone looked up to and inspired to be like. Mickey never boasted and was always humble. He had a heart of gold and he gave the best bear hugs. He loved a good back scratch and would often use trees- impersonating "Bear" from Jungle Book. He was the toughest teddybear you would ever meet. He loved fishing, going on boats, cookouts, holidays, birthdays- anything that got family and loved ones together.

He had the best stories, always sure to make you laugh the hardest. His sense of humor was unmatched, and he had the gift of making even a stranger feel like they've known him for years. He was the center of attention at any event or party- making sure he took the time to meet or greet every single person. Mickey was proud of where he came from- "the mountains" and would love driving for hours to remind himself of how beautiful it was. He loved eating and talking about his belly, or as he would call it, his "shrine". There was never a meal he would miss or a forbidden snack he wouldn't sneak. He never left a conversation without his trademark saying, "Act like you got some sense."

He was his wife and daughters best friend, best listener, best advice giver and best father possible. He believed in all of our dreams and was our own super-hero.

Mickey's spirit will be carried on by his wife, Denise M. Boyette; daughters, Heather N. Chapin (Chuck), Lauren Boyette-Richards (Ronald), Brittany B. Carroll (Kenny); grandchildren, Julianne, Alex, Ethan, Mason, Pierson, Lilia, Emily, Kash, Gavin, Ryan, Nylee, and Kali; sisters, Lesa Beaton (Ed) and Donna Wheeler (Ron); niece, Shellee Lester (Jon); and nephew, Travis Beamer.

He left us all with some of the best memories we will forever cherish and he will never ever be forgotten. -"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near. In loving memory."

A private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Suffolk Humane Society and Woodstock Elementary School Food Pantry.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.