Tilton Parsons

Tilton Parsons (93) went home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning of November 9th with his wife of 68 years at his side. He was born on May 16, 1929, to Clayton C. and Margaret Sedberry Parsons and was the youngest of eight children who all preceded him in death.  Along with his parents and siblings, his oldest son, Dirk, also preceded him in death. 

Tilton was a native of Montgomery County. He proudly served in the Korean Conflict in the infantry division where he was awarded The Purple Heart. Following his discharge, he came home to his “best girl.”  He chased Jeanette before he left for service and he chased her every day after he came home. As he liked to tell it though, “she finally caught him at a weak moment, and he agreed to marry her.” We all know how the story really went. After his time in the service, he worked for North Carolina’s Department of Transportation until he retired.  Tilton was always proud of the bridges he helped erect and maintained throughout the county. He also worked with his wife and sons to operate and maintain a nursery primarily focused on azaleas and rhododendrons. For many years, he raised cows and kept a beloved, stinky cow truck whose smell his granddaughters often commented on and did not share in his fondness.  Their memories of their papa and that truck will always make them smile.  Later in life, he became an avid beekeeper and gardener, finding immense pleasure in the nature around him. Even in the years of failing health, Tilton was always a character.

Left to cherish is memory is his loving wife, Jeanette. Their love has left an indelible mark on everyone who has encountered them, as they were rarely apart. He also leaves behind a devoted son, Dale and (daughter-in-love) Ann who would have gone to the far ends of the globe for him.  His granddaughters: Misty (John) Andrews, Chrissy (Dan) Fohr, Leslie Parsons Shoffner, and Anna Parsons all had special bonds with their papa and many stories that usually end in some sort of hysterical laughter.They will all greatly miss “Daddy Rabbit,” as their papa was so fondly nicknamed. Tilton also leaves behind nine great-grand children and three great-great grandchildren. Countless numbers of nieces, nephews, brother and sister in-laws, and a whole host of friends will remember him with stories and laughter. His niece, Janice Morris, brought him so much love, company, and support over the years, and he was always happy to kid with her. Tilton’s lasting impact will be that he never knew a stranger, and he could always make someone feel at home. He brought laughter into every room.  

It would be remiss not to share Tilton’s love for the Lord.  Over the past few years, Tilton attended Long Hill Baptist Church, but his faith story began at Parsons Grove United Methodist Church. Many times, his faith was tested but many more times was God faithful to him. He may have been quiet about his faith, but he was steadfast in Whose he was. We have no doubt that when Tilton opened his crystal blue eyes for the first time in heaven, he was immediately welcomed into the arms of his loving Father. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Stanly County Hospice for their dedication and services and to Melissa Barringer for her steady support. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Stanly County Hospice or the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) at www.dav.org. Please fly an American flag in memory of Tilton today.  

Pugh Funeral Home is serving the needs of the family. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, 211 N. Main Street Troy, NC. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Wesleyan Church Cemetery 1368 NC-134 Troy, NC.