Charles “Charlie” L. Parson

Charles “Charlie” L. Parson, of Saint Joseph TN passed peacefully on November 5,2024 at Countryside Nursing and Rehab.

Born June 14, 1949, In Murfreesboro, Tennessee he was the Son of Jesse “Jack” Parson and Billie Parson Farris. His early childhood was spent in Murfreesboro, TN. In 1957 the family moved to St. Joseph, where he, his brother Don Parson, and sister Patrica Parson assisted their stepfather B.D. Farris in building the house that has become the Parson homestead.

Charlie graduated from Loretto High School In 1967 and went on to Columbia State Community College Prior to transferring to University of Northern Alabama where he pursued studies in Criminal Justice.

Charlie had a lifelong love of music. His favorite instrument was the Fender Jazz Bass guitar he played in a band called the Moody Goose. The band consisted of Charlie and his friends Sam John Passarella, Johnny Messer, N C Thurman, Danny Cross, and Danny “Mouse” Meyer, and Keith Williford, Moody Goose played all throughout the southern states of Alabama, Florida, Tennesse, and Mississippi. He also played with musical legends such as Betty Swan and the Amazing Rhythm Aces. Other Musicians he played with were J.R. Richards David Copeland, Royce Neidert, and Charlie O’Connor.

In 1968 Charlie entered a lifelong career in law enforcement. Working at the Iron City Police Department as Chief from 1968 till 1979 and Saint Joseph Police Department from 1979 till 1983, where he gained partner and lifelong friend Dennis Daniels. After 1983 Charlie joined the Tennesse Valley Authority (TVA) Police. and Muscle Shoals TVA Communications Officer, until retirement in 2004.

While there he served as President of the union for the Browns Ferry Security/Police.

During his retirement Charlie continued to serve his community as a part time officer with Saint Joseph PD. Charlie also joined the Florence YMCA and finding he enjoyed aquatics, was asked to teach a water walking class. Here he made several new friends. Charlie was also a member of Loretto Masonic Lodge 655 where he and his son Shawn are Master Masons.

Charlie is survived by son Shawn L. Parson, daughter-in-law Kathleen “Ellie” Parson; sister Patrica Berry, and brother-in-law Larry Berry of Saint Joseph, TN.

Charlie was proceeded in death by his father Jesse “Jack” Parson, his mother Billie P Farris, and brother Donald “Don” E. Parson.

A Memorial Service will be held at Loretto Memorial Chapel on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 3:00 pm and will be officiated by Brother James Prince. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 at the funeral home with a Masonic service beginning at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Masonic Lodge 655 attn. Chris Urban and mailing address of 113 N. Military St Loretto, Tn 38469.