Obituary for Irvine Eugene "Gene" Parsons
Irvine Eugene “Gene” Parsons, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2019 at age 92.
Gene was born January 29th 1927 in Giles Co. to the late Guy Campbell Parsons and Mary Blanche Smith Parsons. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 67 years Esther Simmons Parsons, siblings, Campbell Parsons, Herbert Parsons, William Parsons, Bessie Wynne, Lillian Hickman Wilson and Inez Davis. Gene is survived by sons Gary (Carol) Parsons of Franklin TN, David (Torrie) Parsons of Columbia TN, and grandchildren Kate Parsons of Little Rock AR, and Kyle Parsons of Chattanooga TN, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Church Street Church of Christ, Lewisburg, TN.
Gene grew up in Pigeon Roost (Giles Co.) He was the youngest of 7 children. His father passed away when Gene was 5yrs old and he had to start working on the farm. He learned to “break” calves and milked cows before and after school. One of his proudest achievements at age 9 was training his calves to pull a circus wagon in the Dairy Festival of Giles Co. He also reminisced of attending events at Milky Way Farms. While in high school, he completed flight lessons and made his solo flight which was an achievement he was very proud of and continued flying in later years. After High School, he was employed at Genesco, Pulaski TN in 1946 where he met Esther Simmons, his future bride. He started as a floor employee and worked up through the ranks.
His career was placed on hold to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, stationed at various bases in the US and 18 months in England. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant with specialty in Supply and Armament & Electronics. Highlights of his military career include Outstanding Airman Award and Project Manager to establish armament and electronic support in forward combat bases.
Upon returning to civilian life, Gene and Esther returned to TN and to Genesco. He rose to the position of plant manager which ultimately brought them to Lewisburg TN in 1969. During this time, he was a member of the Marshall County Rotary Club and served in several executive roles. Except for 4 years active duty in the Air Force, his career with Genesco spanned 39 years. After leaving Genesco, he served as General Manager for Southern Games in Lewisburg, TN. He also was employed by ICP where he retired in 1990. Gene and Esther enjoyed mowing yards until age 75 when they decided to officially retire.
In addition to aviation, he had a great love and appreciation for VW Beetles. He owned 4 VW Beetles and enjoyed sharing them as a member of the Marshall County Old Car Club. He utilized them for daily transportation, for transporting lawn mowers, and in later years for cruising with Esther on the backroads of Marshall County looking at scenery and watching for deer. After Esther’s death, Gene lived at “the Big House” (The Bridge Assisted Living) in Columbia, TN. He never met a stranger and enjoyed meeting people, talking to people, and making sure everyone felt welcome. He had a big heart and did not hesitate to help when friends and family were in need. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Honorary Pallbearers include: Nieces, Nephews, Friends from The Bridge Assisted Living and Marshall County Old Car Club
Special Thanks to The Bridge Assisted Living of Columbia, NHC-Maury Regional, and Hellen and Ladelle Smith
Pallbearers include: David Cumbie, Kyle Parsons, Terry Tucker, Rich Ewald, Jim Taylor, Brian Mallard
Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of London Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11:00 am with burial to follow in Temple Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will begin on Monday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 pm and will continue on Tuesday until the funeral hour.
London Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Gene was born January 29th 1927 in Giles Co. to the late Guy Campbell Parsons and Mary Blanche Smith Parsons. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 67 years Esther Simmons Parsons, siblings, Campbell Parsons, Herbert Parsons, William Parsons, Bessie Wynne, Lillian Hickman Wilson and Inez Davis. Gene is survived by sons Gary (Carol) Parsons of Franklin TN, David (Torrie) Parsons of Columbia TN, and grandchildren Kate Parsons of Little Rock AR, and Kyle Parsons of Chattanooga TN, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Church Street Church of Christ, Lewisburg, TN.
Gene grew up in Pigeon Roost (Giles Co.) He was the youngest of 7 children. His father passed away when Gene was 5yrs old and he had to start working on the farm. He learned to “break” calves and milked cows before and after school. One of his proudest achievements at age 9 was training his calves to pull a circus wagon in the Dairy Festival of Giles Co. He also reminisced of attending events at Milky Way Farms. While in high school, he completed flight lessons and made his solo flight which was an achievement he was very proud of and continued flying in later years. After High School, he was employed at Genesco, Pulaski TN in 1946 where he met Esther Simmons, his future bride. He started as a floor employee and worked up through the ranks.
His career was placed on hold to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, stationed at various bases in the US and 18 months in England. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant with specialty in Supply and Armament & Electronics. Highlights of his military career include Outstanding Airman Award and Project Manager to establish armament and electronic support in forward combat bases.
Upon returning to civilian life, Gene and Esther returned to TN and to Genesco. He rose to the position of plant manager which ultimately brought them to Lewisburg TN in 1969. During this time, he was a member of the Marshall County Rotary Club and served in several executive roles. Except for 4 years active duty in the Air Force, his career with Genesco spanned 39 years. After leaving Genesco, he served as General Manager for Southern Games in Lewisburg, TN. He also was employed by ICP where he retired in 1990. Gene and Esther enjoyed mowing yards until age 75 when they decided to officially retire.
In addition to aviation, he had a great love and appreciation for VW Beetles. He owned 4 VW Beetles and enjoyed sharing them as a member of the Marshall County Old Car Club. He utilized them for daily transportation, for transporting lawn mowers, and in later years for cruising with Esther on the backroads of Marshall County looking at scenery and watching for deer. After Esther’s death, Gene lived at “the Big House” (The Bridge Assisted Living) in Columbia, TN. He never met a stranger and enjoyed meeting people, talking to people, and making sure everyone felt welcome. He had a big heart and did not hesitate to help when friends and family were in need. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Honorary Pallbearers include: Nieces, Nephews, Friends from The Bridge Assisted Living and Marshall County Old Car Club
Special Thanks to The Bridge Assisted Living of Columbia, NHC-Maury Regional, and Hellen and Ladelle Smith
Pallbearers include: David Cumbie, Kyle Parsons, Terry Tucker, Rich Ewald, Jim Taylor, Brian Mallard
Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of London Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11:00 am with burial to follow in Temple Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will begin on Monday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 pm and will continue on Tuesday until the funeral hour.
London Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.