Joseph Parsons Sr.'s Obituary
Joseph Parsons, Sr., was born on September 26, 1939, the son of Kolon E. Parsons and Eleanor Franklin, in Fitzgerald, GA and passed away in Aventura, FL on July 21, 2020. Joseph, or “Papa Joe” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a successful entrepreneur, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. The youngest of three brothers, Joe overcame hardships in his life to achieve success and demonstrated a work ethic that was respected by those who knew him best. From an early age, he was an overachiever starting his first business in drywall at the age of 18, moving to a successful career in Yellow Pages sales, and then starting and growing his own agency.
Joe was happiest on the water, fishing in Sebastian, FL and traveling a world he couldn’t imagine he’d ever get to experience growing up. Witty in the best “dad joke” kind of way, Joe always had a story to tell – even if it was one you may have heard a million times. Need some financial advice? To him, it was simple, “You can’t spend more than you make.” Life and parenting? He had three books you had to read. Joe was always managing, known for his stubbornness and strong opinions but most of all, as a loyal friend. If you were in his circle, you stayed there. Joe will be missed immensely by his family and friends. Joe’s path to God in his final years became an important part of his life providing purpose and a sense of peace.
Joe is survived by his wife, Michelle Justice Parsons; daughters Linda Parsons Earle, Christina Parsons, and Michelle Tovar; sons Joseph Parsons, Jr. and David Parsons; grandchildren David Earle, Matthew Earle, Maya Mendez, Haley Pichardo, Jayden Pichardo, Noah Pichardo; and great-grandchildren Scarlett Moreno and Leo Polanco. He was predeceased by his brothers Everett and Verlin Parsons and granddaughter Melissa Earle.
Donations in his name may be made to: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert (305) 932-2700
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