Obituary of Albert Parsons

Albert E. Parsons, Sr., 92, widower of Maybelle Williamson Parsons and Virginia Thornal Parsons, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at his family home. Born on November 1, 1919, in Andrews, he was a son of the late Lewis Andrew Parsons and the late Covan Haselden Parsons. Mr. Parsons was a graduate of Williamsburg High School and attended Clemson University. He was a member of the Andrews First Baptist Church, the PALS Sunday School Class, the Ed Hinson Sunday School Class and was a former deacon. Mr. Parsons joined the United States Air Force on November 1, 1942 and served until October 27, 1945. He was a WWII veteran and was an assistant engineer on a B-17 bomber in the 390th Bomb Group, 569th squadron. He did 34 combat missions as a Waist Gunner on a B-17. Through his courageous efforts during WWII he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Mr. Parsons also served in the South Carolina National Guard. Mr. Parsons was the owner and operator of Parsons’ Christmas Tree and Berry Farm. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local #776, was employed as an electrician for more than 30 years, was a Mason with the Harpers Masonic Lodge #225 since 1942, was a former Shriner and was a member of the Eastern Star. Survivors include six children, Larry Thornal (Dorothy) of Andrews, Harriett Edwards (Edward) of Summerville, Albert E. Parsons, Jr. (Cookie) of Moncks Corner, Lynn Duke (Curtis) of Andrews, Mary Jordan (Davy) of Andrews and Jodie J. Parsons (Theresa) of Andrews; 13 grandchildren, Jamie Thornal, David Thornal, Richard Thornal, Rebecca Gray, Frankie Edwards, Louise Lingerfelt, Sarah Wright, Justin Duke, Travis Duke, Ginny Tennes, Matthew Jordan, Dylan Jordan and Brandie Parsons; 15 great grandchildren, Annie Thornal, Kassi Thornal, Allie Thornal, Emily Thornal, Hunter Thornal, Connor Thornal, Ashley Gray, Bonnie Gray, Rhett Gray, Adam Lingerfelt, Seth Lingerfelt, Kirk Lingerfelt, Sylvia Wright, Augusten Wright and Rylyn Duke; one sister, Lonita P. Ward of Georgetown; and a number of other family members including nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and five sisters. Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM Friday, February 24, 2012 at Andrews First Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Sapp officiating. Burial will follow in Andrews Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday at Andrews First Baptist Church. Memorial may be made to Andrews First Baptist Church, 102 N. Rosemary Ave. Andrews, SC 29510 or Tidelands Community Hospice House, 2591 N. Fraser St. Georgetown, SC 29440 Graham Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. www.grahamfuneralhome.org