Guy Sheridan Parsons

Guy Sheridan Parsons, age 93, went to be with his Lord on September 9, 2015 in Raleigh, NC. Known as "Guy S." by his friends, family, and business colleagues, he would light up the room with his presence. He loved to talk to people, and it almost seemed that his life's mission was to help those people placed in his path feel better and smile. His farm-boy charm naturally drew people to him.

He was an encourager, who was directly or indirectly responsible for the success of many of his family members and others who were fortunate enough to know him. He was quick with a compliment and could command your attention with his endless stories. He never knew a stranger and everyone felt better after receiving one of Guy's hugs. He was a husband, who deeply loved his bride, a father, who mentored his sons, and a friend, who was willing to do anything for anybody.

He set the example for a life well lived. He proved that life can be fun, and that the greatest success is not found in a title or a bank account, but by doing the best that you can while being a gentle, caring human being. He showed us how to love by the way he loved his Thelma, how he loved his sons, how he loved his work, how he loved his fellow man, how he loved himself, and how he loved his church.

Guy was born in Ripley, West Virginia on March 15, 1922. The son of the late Guy W. and Pearl W. Parsons, he grew up on a 255-acre crops and livestock farm. Following graduation from Ripley High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from West Virginia University on May 31, 1947, after interrupting his studies from 1943 until 1946 to serve in the U.S. Army in the Medical Corp.

During his Army service, he was stationed at Fort Devens in Ayer, MA. There, on Ward 135, Guy met his future wife, Thelma Fusco, a cadet nurse. Following a two-year courtship, Thelma and Guy were married on November 2, 1946. Their life-long love affair was the epitome of what a marriage is supposed to be. After 68 years of marriage, they were still on their honey-moon. God blessed them with each other and then poured His love into them, which they shared with each other and those around them. While we grieve our loss on earth, Guy is surely in Heaven with his beloved Thelma dancing to the Tennessee Waltz.

In addition to a blessed marriage, Guy was determined to further his career. He entered graduate school immediately after receiving his undergraduate degree, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Dairy Production in 1948. Following graduation, his first position was as an instructor in Dairying at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. After about 3 years, Guy decided to taste the corporate life and joined Pet Milk Company as a Dairy Fieldman in Greeneville, TN from 1951 through 1956.

In 1956, he decided to combine university teaching with field work and became an Extension Dairy Husbandry Specialist at North Carolina State University. His primary areas of expertise were in dairy cattle feeding formulations, dairy building designs, and large herd management. He authored several industry publications and enjoyed a national reputation for his work. He was recognized with numerous distinguished service awards, as well as serving as President of the Southern Division of the American Dairy Science Association. He was promoted to a Full Professorship in 1966 and retired as the Specialist-in-Charge of the NCSU Extension Dairy Husbandry Department on September 30, 1982. Guy journeyed a long-way from his humble beginnings on that West Virginia farm.

Guy was a faithful Christian and an active member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church and the Cokesbury-Isley adult education class since 1956. He served on the official board, ushered, greeted, and also served on several church committees. His deep commitment to Christian service was evident in the way he lived his life helping others.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Thelma F. Parsons, who just passed away on January 11, 2015. Guy is survived by his two sons, David W. Parsons and his bride, Donna, of Tarpon Springs, FL and Dr. James S. Parsons of Raleigh. He is survived by his sisters Naomi Slusser of Stafford, NY and Janet Goff of Raleigh. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrea M. Wolf, Jennifer C. Moore and her husband, Michael, James S. (Dan) Parsons, Jr. and his wife, Perry Cooper, Elizabeth Anne Parsons, Kyle J.S. Parsons and his wife, Andrea, and her step-grandchildren, Christopher Galvanek and Casey Galvanek, as well as his great-grandchildren, Ian Moore, Connor Moore, Jack Wolf, Thomas Wolf, and Isla Juliet Parsons.

The family is grateful to the staff of The Oaks at Whitaker Glen for their loving care and service. The family is especially grateful to Penny Ruocchio for her years of caregiving and devotion. Most of all, the family wants to acknowledge the extended family and friends for their continued love and support throughout Guy's life. They gave meaning to all that he accomplished.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. Alternatively, donations can be made to the Music Ministry at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

A memorial service to celebrate Guy's life is being planned for Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, with a visitation to follow for all of Guy's friends, guests, and relatives in attendance.

Arrangements are being coordinated by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on St. Mary's Street in Raleigh. Everyone is encouraged to offer their online condolences and memories at www.brownwynne.com.