Walter "Gene" E. Parsons

Walter Eugene Parsons (Walt), 85, of Kissimmee, Florida passed away on Thursday, April 03, 2014, with his daughter and grandson by his side. A celebration of his life was held at Highland South Memorial Park in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, April 12. The viewing was from 1:00-2:00pm with the service following in the chapel. Walter was born August 25, 1928 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the oldest son of Walter Cox Parsons and Hazel (Conner) Parsons. He married Stella Mae Weaver on January 20, 1950. He is survived by his six children: Michael (Dori) Parsons of Greeneville, TN. Jack Parsons of New Orleans, LA. Terri Lowe of Kissimmee, FL. Cheryl (Buck Hayes) Parsons Callahan of Kissimmee, FL. Walter II (Kathryn) Parsons of Jacksonville, FL. Cindy (Wayne) Johnson of Huntsville, AL. He was blessed with thirteen grandchildren; Julie Parsons of St. Cloud, FL. Lisa (Bobby) Pastorious of Lutz, FL. Janie Lowe of Kissimmee, FL. Colbey (Brenda) Parsons of Kissimmee, FL. Kara (Clayton) Tobias and Tara Swindle of Davenport, FL. Taylor, Annabeth and Andrew Parsons of Jacksonville, FL. Emily, Elisabeth, Ethan and Ean Johnson of Huntsville, AL. He was further blessed with eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Stella Parsons, his parents, and his brother, Dr. James M. Parsons. Walter graduated from Knoxville High School and the University of Tennessee (Class of 1951), with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for RCA, U.S. Naval Ordnance Laboratory and Boeing Airplane Company before relocating his family to Florida in 1955 to work for Kennedy Space Center at the beginning of the space program. The bulk of his career was spent supporting the prime NASA Manned Space era including the Mercury, Gemini, Skylab and Apollo programs. He loved his job and all the wonderful people he met while there. He retired from NASA in 1975. A few years later, he opened Walt Parsons Realty and Walt Parsons Enterprises, in addition to working as a real estate broker and an engineering consultant, he continued to own and operate a thriving mobile home park on Lake Toho in Kissimmee. He always had a positive message for everyone he met and enjoyed every day to the fullest. His wisdom and knowledge was a constant amazement to all who met him. His hobbies included playing violin, viola, guitar and banjo, building and flying model airplanes, tinkering in his workshop, traveling and visiting with his family and friends. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy.

Walter "Gene" E. Parsons

August 25, 1928 - April 3, 2014