Louis French Paret IV, of Amelia, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, following a recently diagnosed terminal illness, with his loving family at his side. Born on March 19, 1971, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Jane Price Paret and the late Louis French Paret III of Amelia, Virginia. Lou moved with his family to Amelia County in 1977, often referring to Amelia as “God’s Country.” He attended Amelia County schools and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in History from Florida Atlantic University. He spent his career as a sommelier and wine enthusiast, working in the wine and beer industry in several major markets, including West Palm Beach, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Toronto, Canada; Memphis, Tennessee; and Richmond, Virginia. An avid historian and sports enthusiast, Lou enjoyed studying Virginia and United States history—especially World War II. He was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia Phillies, and Virginia colleges and universities. Lou was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry for several years. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family, his church family, and his friends. Lou is survived by his children, Louis French Paret V and Catherine Price Paret; his mother, Jane Price Paret; his sisters, Sarah Scott Thomas (Bill), Suzanne Hamlin (Scott), and Jane Vaughan (Jerry); several nieces and nephews and four great nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 16401 Court Street, Amelia. A reception will follow at Log Cabin Farm, 15901 Five Forks Road, Amelia Court House, Virginia 23002. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church for the accessibility ramp—a project that was especially important to Lou—at P.O. Box 468, Amelia, Virginia 23002.

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