Russell Mead Parsons

Russell Mead Parsons born August 17, 1971 died suddenly on August 21, 2012.
Russell was a true gentle soul, he always had a smile and a kind word for all. He was a protector and a champion of the underdog. He was the first to lend a helping hand to those in despair. He adored his family, friends and dogs. There are no words to describe the gaping hole his death has left on those who loved him.
Russell grew up in Beckley, WV. He was the son of Mead and Joan Parsons. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1989 and went on to attend Beckley College. He loved the art of building and creating, so it was only natural for him to open his own construction company. He was of the catholic faith and a member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a devoted member of the Beckley Kennel Club and also the Beckley Model Airplane Club.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edgar Russell and Evelyn Parsons and maternal grandparents, Noel and Lena Gray.
He adored his wife, Pamela Peterson Parsons. They enjoyed traveling and lavishing love on their nieces and nephew. Together they raised and showed their beloved Dalmatian dogs. And of course rescuing and creature in need of aid.
He is also survived by his sister, Kathryn Parsons Henderson (Jamie), nephew, Samuel James Henderson; aunt, Vee (D.B,) Browning; uncle, Edgar Russell Parsons, Jr. (June); mother and father in-law, James and Connie Peterson; sisters-in-law, Theresa Peterson Lewis (James) and Emily Golden (Craig); nieces, Haley Beth Lewis, Paige Michelle Lewis, Delany Rae Dempsey and Parker Susanne Golden
A funeral liturgy will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 24, 2012 at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Father Chapin Engler officiating. A rite of committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with the reciting of the rosary at 8:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Henry Williams, J.T. Simmons, John Paul Halliwell, Davey Catlett, Craig Golden, Jamie Henderson and Doug Reynolds. Honorary Pallbearer will be Samuel Henderson
The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Beckley Area Foundation, Evelyn, Russ and Clark Parsons Fund, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801 or to the Dalmatian Rescue of SW Virginia, 1784 Bernard Dr., Elliston, VA 24087
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.