REHOBOTH BEACH - Gordon Alfred Parsons, age 86, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. Born on May 2, 1924 in Alexandria, Va., and raised there, he was the son of the late Vernon Lewis and Blanche Gertrude (Gaines) Parsons. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Patricia, who died in 1987; and his sister, Agnes Jane Nalls, who died in December 2010. A decorated World War II veteran, Mr. Parsons retired from the US Department of Agriculture with 35 years of service. He received his Masters Degree in Business Management from the Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C. He was a person of great faith and was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Dover and is a current member of Seaside Church in Lewes. His service to the community included over 20 years of volunteer work at Beebe Medical Center. He enjoyed woodworking and received great pleasure from making handmade Christmas ornaments for family and friends. An avid golfer, Mr. Parsons enjoyed celebrating his 80th birthday with his sons and a round of golf at the Pebble Beach Golf Course. He is survived by two sons, William (Elaine) of Ellicott City, Md., and Stephen (John Feather) of Arlington, Va.; one brother, Donald Lewis Parsons of Rehoboth Beach; six grandchildren, one grand-dogger and ten great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews and a large circle of friends. Mr. Parsons was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be truly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at the Parsell Funeral Home and Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Seaside Church, PO Box 443, Lewes, DE 19958 (www.seasidechurch.us, Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 (www.delawarehospice.org) or the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, Lodge #2540, PO BOX 86, Nassau, DE 19969 (www.capehenlopenelks.org) Please sign the online guestbook at: www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.