Lee R. Parsons

Lee R. Parsons, 76, of Roanoke, VA passed away on August 14, 2013. He was born in Casper, Wyoming on February 6, 1937, the son of the late William Parsons of Fairfield, IA and Violet Chaney Parsons of Casper, Wyoming. Lee graduated 1955 from Natrona County High School (NCHS) in Casper, and attended Santa Monica College. His career was varied; U.S. Navy, The Lawrence Welk Band (1956-1960), Electronics research in printed circuitry, Moore’s Building Supply and in 1989 entered the insurance field, specializing in Long Term Care insurance as an independent broker. He spoke nationally on Long Term Care insurance educating both Consumers and Insurance Agents. He was an advocate for senior issues and concerns, lobbying through the National Association of Health Underwriter’s (NAHU) for Medicare and Long Term Care insurance benefits. Lee held several positions in the NAHU organization namely, President of the Southwestern Virginia chapter (Roanoke), Senior Issues Chair at the Virginia State and Southwestern Virginia levels. He was a member and held various positions with The National Exchange Club and The Lions Club.

In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Ann Dobb of Cypress, CA; grandparents, Charles and Minnie Chaney of Casper, Wyoming; uncles, Chet Chaney of Chatsworth, CA, Vaughn Chaney of Bonsall, CA and Charles Chaney of Casper, Wyoming and aunt, Donna Channey of Casper, Wyoming.

Surviving, Lee’s wife of 51 years, Edith Hambrick Parsons of Eagle Rock and Buchanan, VA; a loving and caring aunt, Betty Maxine Chaney of Vista, CA; a very special niece, Sheri Whitney and husband, Guy, their children, Chase and Bree of Cypress, CA; cousins, John Chaney and his wife, Liddy of Casper, Wyoming, Ron Chaney and his wife, Shirley of Casper, Wyoming, Paula Chaney of Casper, Wyoming; a close sister-in-law, Virginia Harlow-Scaggs and her husband, Carson of Buchanan, VA; two long time-close friends, Wayne Elmore of Roanoke, VA, Dwight Manning and his wife, Janice of Acworth, GA; several nieces and nephews in Wyoming, Calif., Fla. and Virginia. Special mention is made to Dr. Charles D. Daniel Surgeon and Urologist at Jefferson Surgical Clinic for his wonderful care and treatment of Lee over the years. Lee also was thankful for his care during many admissions to Carilion RMH, especially the Nurse’s and staff of the ten Mountain ward. Cancer is tough!

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2013 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Oakey’s North Chapel, 6732 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke, Va. 24019. No burial or other services will be held.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Red Cross, 352 Church Ave., SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 where Lee gave several gallons of blood over his lifetime or to the American Cancer Society.

“Once on this earth, on this familiar spot of ground, walked other men and women, as actual as we are today, thinking their own thoughts, swayed by their own passions, but now are all gone, one generation vanishing after another, gone as utterly as we ourselves shall shortly be gone like ghosts at cockcrow.” G. M. Trevelyan