David Ray Parsons, 88, of South Charleston, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 22, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer''s disease.
He proudly served his country during World War II, in the United States Navy, as a Radioman 2nd class on the U.S.S. Effingham (AP-165). He was aboard, as the Effingham supported U.S. Troops during the landings and invasion at Okinawa on April 1, 1945. David was an honor graduate from Morris Harvey College with a degree in accounting. He worked his entire career with the Internal Revenue Service and at retirement was District Manager for the Charleston Office (Collection Division). Dave was a ham radio operator (K8CNB) and was a member of the Kanawha Valley Amateur Radio Club for many years. He loved the outdoors and was skilled at wood working and photographing nature''s beauty. Most important, he was a wonderful Dad, Husband, and Grandfather.
He was a Christian and attended several churches over the years, including Thompson/Bias Chapel (Aldersgate), Kanawha City Baptist(Member), and Antioch Advent Christian Church until the disease made it no longer possible.
He was preceded in death by his parents Waldo and Mabel Parsons of Kenna and wives Geraldine, Leona, and Frances.
He is survived by son, Randy (Brenda) Parsons, granddaughter, Kimberly (Karl) Arthur, and great grandchildren, Chesnee and Seth Arthur. And, special friend and former co-worker, Elliott Deck of Beckley, WV.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26 at Long and Fisher Funeral Home in Sissonville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday at Long and Fisher Funeral Home, with the Rev. S.R. Parsons, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens with military graveside rites.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the WV Alzheimer''s Association, 1601 2nd Avenue, Charleston, WV 25387 or Hospice, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV 25387.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to the entire staff at Braley Care Home III for all the love and quality care provided to David during the past 5 years. And, we especially want to thank Chris Braley, for providing a safe and loving family environment for Dad to spend his final years. Lastly, thanks to the nurses, with Hospice, as they kept Dad comfortable and enabled him to go peacefully.