Arnold "Arnie" Parsons, 84, of Belmont, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024. Arnie was born on November 27,1939 in The Bronx, New York. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. Arnie will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Arnie was a remarkable individual, known for his warm and friendly personality. A quote from Author Melanie Shawn, truly describes Arnie:
"He never met a stranger. Every person in the world, to him, was just a friend he hadn't met yet." Arnie lived these words every day of his life. He had an incredible ability to make friends with everyone he encountered, earning him the nickname "The Mayor." His genuine care and love for others were evident in his relationships with his wife Jean, his children Elissa and Jay, and his extended family.
Arnie had a deep love for animals and children, and they adored him in return. His sense of humor was amazing, bringing laughter and smiles to those around him. He also had a great love for music, particularly the Doo-Wop genre of the 1950s. Arnie could name the artist of nearly every tune from that era, showcasing his vast knowledge and appreciation for the music of his generation.
In times of trouble, Arnie was always the one to step up with courage and wisdom, taking action to resolve any situation. He was a dedicated fighter for causes he believed in and never gave up on his convictions. Arnie's resilience and determination were truly admirable.
Arnie had a successful career as a Chemist at IBM, where he devoted 34 years of his life. His work at IBM made a significant impact, and his contributions will be remembered by his colleagues and peers.
Arnie leaves behind his beloved wife Jean, his loving children Elissa and Jay, his grandchildren Jessica, Sarah and Evan, his brother Stanley, his sister Sheri, his sister-in-law Marlene along with his many friends, nieces, nephews, devoted cousins and his extended family.
A memorial service to celebrate Arnie's life will be held at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, located at 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054. The services will take place on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm, followed by a memorial service in the chapel at 2:00 pm. The funeral/graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to The Humane Society of the United States in Arnie's honor. This organization was close to his heart, reflecting his deep love for animals.
Arnie's memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, humor, and unwavering spirit will be cherished and remembered with great fondness. May he rest in eternal peace.
