Irwin J. Parkerson (I.J.) of Stone Mountain, Georgia went to be with the Lord on March 17, 2018. I.J. was born on August 8, 1923. He graduated from Richmond Academy in Augusta, Georgia in 1939 as a Cadet Major in the ROTC with honors. I.J. graduated from University of Georgia in December 1942 with a A.B. in political science and was a Cadet Major in the ROTC unit in the Cavalry. I.J. entered the U.S. Army on January 1, 1943. He served as a reconnaissance unit leader under General George Patton in the European Theater in the Third Army in France and Germany. I.J. was awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds received in action and also received the Bronze Star, European Theater Medal with two Battle Stars, and the French Croix de Guiere. He left service in the rank of Captain and remained in the reserves until 1955. After his return from Europe, he met and married his wife, Wynelle Hudson. I.J. graduated from Mercer University School of Law, Cum Laude in 1952. He entered the private practice of law in Atlanta and later in Decatur doing largely trial and appellate work and retired at the age of 75. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Wynelle Hudson Parkerson, his son, James Parkerson, daughter, Dana Parkerson Granberry, grandsons are Jeremy Granberry (Julie), James Granberry (Jessica), Zachary Lee Parkerson and great grandson, Graham Parkerson Granberry. I.J. was a true southern gentleman, a loving family man and a hero to many.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 3150 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, Georgia from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. A military burial will follow.
