Joel A. Parsons II, LTC (USA Retired), 66, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2019. A graveside service featuring military honors will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be held 2:30 until 5:30 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast following the service.
Joel was born August 26, 1953, in Greenville, SC, to the late Joel Alex Parsons, Sr. and Adrith Holland Parsons. He was a soldier from the start, knowing from boyhood that he belonged in the military and always held a clear vision of his life’s purpose. His path led him to study History at South Carolina’s military college, The Citadel. After college and a tour in Germany, he met and married the love of his life, Ginger, and together they had their two children, Chris and Heather. An avid learner, Joel later received a master’s degree in Political Geography from The University of South Carolina. During his time in the Army, Joel was a paratrooper and belonged to the 82nd Airborne Division, Cdr. 96th Civil Affairs Battalion and spent time in many foreign countries. He also worked directly under the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He retired from that post and the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1995.
Post-retirement, Joel and his family returned to South Carolina to be closer to relatives. His passions were SEC football, Jeopardy and listening to his favorite band, The Beatles. Joel was a history buff, a great cook, and was always joking around with his friends and loved ones. He will be remembered as a loving family man, a true soldier and strong in his faith.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Ginger Parsons; son, Christopher Sean Parsons, his wife Genevieve Knabel and their new daughter, Josie Lou Parsons of Nashville, TN; daughter, Heather Dawn Parsons and her husband Andy Woodward of Columbia; brother, Andy Parsons of Greenville, SC; and sister, Darlene James of New Baden, Illinois.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
Posted in: dignitymemorial.com
Posted on: 2019-12-27
Link to original obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/joel-parsons-ii-8976073