James Bernie Parsons

James Bernie Parsons, 71, of Gallipolis, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Arbors of Gallipolis. He was born December 14, 1945 in Mallory, West Virginia, son of Andrew Parsons, who survives and the late Lucille Belcher Parsons. Bernie was married to Deanna Wright Parsons and she preceded him in death in 1993. He graduated from Kyger Creek High School in 1963. Bernie was U.S. Navy veteran of Vietnam. He was a retired truck driver and a member of Silver Memorial Freewill Baptist Church. Bernie enjoyed his grandkids and sporting events. Surviving are his daughter, Julie (Terry) Reed of Gallipolis; five grandchildren, Ashleigh Bennett, Ty Reed, Jaden Reed, Jaren Reed, and Jensen Reed; his father, Rev. Andrew (Leah) Parsons of Gallipolis; sisters, Anna Sue (Richard) Marsh of Gallipolis, Peggy (Barry) Yeauger of Cheshire; brother, Rev. Jack (Lisa) Parsons of Gallipolis; brothers-in-law, Larry (Carolyn) Grimmette and John L. (Jenny) Sigman, all of Gallipolis; sister-in-law: Connie Parsons; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother and wife, Deanna Parsons, Bernie is preceded in death by brothers, Vernon Parsons and Dennis Parsons, sisters, Priscilla Parsons, Joyce Grimmette, and Lorene P. “Shirley” Sigman. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at the Willis Funeral Home with Rev. William “Bill” Runyon Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. There will be military services by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Bernie’s memory to the funeral home to help with expenses.