FRANKLIN — Dale Parsons Sr., 87, died peacefully at his home on Sept. 7, 2016, after a brief illness. He was born on April 10, 1929, in Hambleton, West Virginia.

He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Belle. He was also predeceased by his parents, Delton and Julia Parsons, and two sisters. Rosalind and Patty Gene.
His survivors include four sons, Dale Jr. (Ginny) of Hana, Hawaii; Tim of Courtland; Douglas (Heather) of Chesapeake; and Brian of Norfolk; and four daughters, Susan Kitchen (Mark) of Franklin; Patricia Bryant (Mac) of Courtland; Judy Parsons (George) of Wakefield; and Mary Parsons (Mark) of Wilmington, North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
His family moved to Newport News during the Great Depression and that is where he met his loving wife of many years, Belle. During World War II, he worked on the C&O Railroad, since he was too young to serve in the military. He graduated from Newport News High School in 1948 and ran track under the legendary Julie Conn. He later served with distinction in the U.S. Naval Reserves.
He coached basketball for many years in the Newport News YMCA Church league. The car business was Dale’s passion and he worked at Casey Chevrolet for many years before opening his own dealership, Dale Parsons Chevrolet in Franklin, in 1980.
After retiring from the automotive business, he opened Western Tidewater Insurance Adjusters and operated it until his wife Belle’s death in 2007. He loved his family very much and anyone who knew him was aware of his love of good hot dogs and sports. He had a photographic memory and could recall just about anything. He loved nothing more than a good family get together and was also an excellent cook.
Visitation will be on Friday at 6 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 10, in High Street United Methodist Church, Franklin, with the Rev. Nathan Decker officiating. This will be followed by a graveside service at 2 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News.
Memorial donations may be made to High Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218 Franklin, VA 23851.
www.wrightfuneralhome.org.