Rev. Preston D. Parsons

Rev. Preston D. Parsons, age 91 - US Navy Chaplain, Veteran of WWII (Pacific theater) and the Korean War, Ordained Minister (Christian Church, Disciples of Christ), Counselor and Professor - died at his home in Randleman, NC, on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Born September 8, 1920 in Arapahoe, NC, education included undergraduate, graduate and post- graduate studies at Atlantic Christian College, Johnson Bible College, Vanderbilt University and UNC-CH. He played football for Vanderbilt. Rev. Parsons served in the US Navy as Chaplain, rank: Lt. Commander (JG), and was attached to the Marine Corps in both the Pacific and Korea, where he was awarded the Purple Heart and other honors. Rev. Parsons served as Minister of various Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) in the Carolinas in fulltime and ad-interim capacities, including fulltime ministries at Wendell Christian Church in Wendell, NC, Front Street Christian Church in Burlington, NC and Highland Park Christian Church in New Bern, NC. In prior decades he also served on the teaching staffs of NC State University, East Carolina University and Meredith College. Survivors include children Preston D. Parsons, Jr. of Burlington and Celia O'Briant Melcher and her husband, John D. Melcher of Pleasant Garden; grandchildren Seth W. Parsons, Amanda O'Briant, Kelly O'Briant and Johanna O'Briant, as well as three great grandchildren; brothers William Bryan Parsons and wife, Jeannie; James C. Parsons and wife, Vickie; sisters Reba P. Phibbs; Christine P. Holland and husband, Doug; Ida P. Gaskill and husband Edfred; JoAnne P. Lewis; 6 nephews and 3 nieces; endeared caregiver Sherry Knight. He was preceded in death by wife Nina Wilcox Parsons; parents L.C. Parson and wife, Darah; sister Virginia P. Embree and husband Estel, as well as brothers-in-law Arthur Lewis and Ralph Phibbs. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday ("Good Friday") at Bethany Christian Church, 8126 NC Hwy 306 South, Arapahoe, NC 28510. A luncheon for family and friends will follow in the church fellowship hall. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Bethany Christian Church, Memorial Fund, 8126 N.C. 306 South, Arapahoe, NC 28510. Please share your remembrances and condolences with the family at: www.pughfuneralhome.com Pugh Funeral Home of Randleman is serving the Parsons Family.