Carl Raymond Parsons

On Thursday, October 15, 2015, Carl R. Parsons of Fairfax, VA died in his home surrounded by loving family. He was born in Corning, Iowa to the late Andrew and Carrie Parsons on October 27, 1927. He was preceded in death by his wife Beatrice D. Parsons and their son Richard Scott Parsons. He is survived by his loving wife, Miyako Parsons. He was the beloved father of daughter, Patricia Parsons, son, Steve & Elizabeth Parsons, Patty & Dan Dildine, John Fichtel & Georgia, and Ed & Karen Fichtel. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Wyley (Julie), Daniel (Abbie), Preston, Natalie (Mike), Rebecca (Carl), David, Heather, Claire, Ashley, and Matt. He was the great-grandfather of Will and Olivia. Carl is also survived by two sisters Lois Shafer and Alice Zully, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Carl joined the Merchant Marines as an Able Bodied Seaman and traveled the world on “Liberty” and “Victory” ships in service to his country. In 1948, Carl joined the newly created Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Later that year, he was selected to be part of one of the first CIA overseas operations, serving as part of the personal security detail for the first US Ambassador to Israel. Upon his return, he joined the newly formed CIA Office of Communications where he rose during his 32 year career to a senior leadership position, retiring as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service. Carl received the CIA Intelligence Medal of Merit in 1980, as well as the Honorable Service Award for his work with the agency from 1948 – 1980.

During his distinguished career at the CIA, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland in 1968. In 1972, he received his Master’s Degree in International Relations from George Washington University while attending the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 10:00 am at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 West Broad St., Falls Church, VA., and interment to follow at 2 pm at Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: Project Liberty Ship, S.S. JOHN W. BROWN, P.O. Box 25846, Highlandtown Station, Baltimore, MD 21224-0546.