Rev. Ralph W. Parsons Sr., age 95, passed away in Sweet Heavenly Peace on Thursday, April 7, 2022, to join our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had been a resident of the Middlesboro Nursing Home and Rehab Facility since November 2020. He was born August 08, 1926, the son of the late Mendel Boyd Parsons and Nell (Nellie) L. Wilson Parsons.
Ralph W. Parsons Sr., served in the southwest pacific theater during WWII in the Battle of Leyte, as a decorated military police officer. Most of his tour was served in the Philippines. After WWII, Ralph settled in the Colmar community of Bell County, just outside of Middlesboro, KY, after spending several years in Washington state, and Detroit Michigan, among other places. His home was in the mountains of Bell County. He was a lifelong pastor, evangelist and minister. He helped plant many churches during his lifetime and was often called to preach at many churches and gatherings.
He worked at Middlesboro Coca-Cola for 15 years and he had numerous jobs prior to that time. Ralph retired from Coca Cola in 1986, and spent most of his post retirement time taking care of family, working in the garden, working with trees and flowers and anything he found enjoyment in. Mostly, he studied the Word and tried to evangelize to the lost. He never met a stranger or an enemy, and always gave freely of his time and money.
Ralph is known for his generosity, and though he had little to give in the material things, he freely gave from his knowledge, wisdom and what he had experienced to anyone willing to listen.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Elizabeth Wilson Parsons; brother, Paul Colon Parsons; sisters, Juanita Parsons (Bingham) and Audrey Jean Parsons; grandparents, Joseph Warren Parsons and Rosa Belle (Mammy) Flynn Parsons, all from Hulen/Blackmont area of Bell County.
He is survived by his two loving children, Ralph W. Parsons Jr. (Marlene) and Judy Parsons Warren (Leroy); four loving grandchildren, Eric S. Parsons, Wesley S. Parsons, Scott R. (Kirstie Keene) Warren and Rodney D. Warren. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Benjamin R. Warren and Emily G. Parsons; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends, too many to list.
The family of Rev. Ralph W. Parsons Sr. will receive friends on Monday, April 11, 2022, from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend John Carter presiding. Graveside services will immediately following the funeral service at the Parsons Cemetery in Blackmont, KY. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Full military honors will be provided by the Jellico Honor Guard.
Register book and online condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com
Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY, is in charge of all arrangements.
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