Gary Mark Parsons

Gary was born in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, and during his early years, his family relocated to Ocala, Florida. It was quite an adjustment for a young boy, but being one of seven children, he learned to adapt to the needs of his family. A favorite high school memory was being on the yearbook staff because it got him interested in all of his fellow classmates.

He tried community college, but he felt it was too soon to decide what he was meant to do with the rest of his life, so he joined the United States Coast Guard.

Gary excelled in basic training and stood out, graduating at the top of his class. The Commandant noticed how sharp he always was, so his first assignment was to stay at Cape May to help future classes get acclimated to military life. Gary took almost every opportunity that the Coast Guard offered him. He was trained and certified flying in DC-130s. He then became certified as a Drop Master and trained many more under him. He went to school to learn how to sew and pack parachutes. To finish the course, he had one “jump opportunity.” During the jump, he landed in trees and required “rescue” from said tree. He kept that parachute as an integral part of his military treasures.

Gary’s long-term goal had always been to become a USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmer. The process was a very demanding and rigorous course, but he tried. His first two attempts were interrupted due to illness, but he went back one more time and passed. Later, he trained to become an instructor for the Rescue Swimmer Program. He put his whole heart into the training of future swimmers—firm but compassionate.

He went on to other assignments and stations throughout his 20 years in the Coast Guard. Gary was 37 when he retired from the military and had an opportunity to attend the Savannah Police Academy. He graduated at the top of his class. His maturity and organizational skills made him a standout.

Gary attended the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson School of Government and completed Local Government Management training, which led to certification from 2004–2017. He also attended the Montgomery, Alabama Police Officer Lateral Training Academy and completed P.O.S.T. certification in basic skills and development/remedial education from 2005–2006.

One of his first assignments was working in the mounted division. He was the shortest in stature, so of course he was assigned the tallest horse. He bonded tightly with his mount, Digger, who was a former thoroughbred. They had tons of adventures.

Gary was advised to move on, and he later rode bicycle patrol in Savannah, worked traffic, and moved on to Vice and later Homicide. He took his supervisor’s advice that future advancement required a college degree. He accomplished that by attending night school full-time while working full-time rotating shifts. He earned a degree in Criminology.

Gary passed his Sergeant’s exam and was promoted. He became a detective for the Savannah Police Department. Later, he moved to Alabama and worked on the Montgomery Police force, helping guide younger patrolmen in good, basic police work.

While living in Foley, Gary was notified that he was to be inducted into the USCG Hall of Honor in Mobile, Alabama, for his meritorious service as an instructor during the early years of the USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Program. It was one of the greatest highlights of his military career.

Unfortunately, as he aged, Gary experienced health problems that required him to retire from the force. He was recommended to work for the State of Alabama in Pardons and Paroles. As more health challenges arose, he retired from Pardons and Paroles and was later hired as a supervisor for a private security company.

Gary met Michelle in 2014, and they bonded quickly over so many common elements of their past. Six months later, they eloped and had 11½ wonderful, happy, loving years together. Gary retired in Foley and loved living near the ocean. He felt he was back home at the beach again.

Gary is survived by his wife, Michelle L. Parsons; his children, Gretchen and Kevin Williams, Gary Allen Parsons, and Taylor Suzanne Parsons.

He is also survived by his brothers, Stanley Parsons and Neil and Tina Parsons, as well as Tonia and Tom Gentry. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

Gary is also survived by three granddaughters, Raimme, Madison, and Cathleen, whom he was so proud of and dearly loved. He was looking forward to meeting his new granddaughter, Madeline, who is due at the end of this coming November.

He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Dr. Elsa Ferris, Mariel and Jarrod Knight, Spencer Ferris, and his wonderful in-laws, Warren and Deanna Knight.

Future burial will be at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. Those interested in attending may contact the USCG Helicopter Rescue Swimmers-related program, Butch Flythe, or Hugh Doherty for the date and time.