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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Parsons, Charles

Age 88

PARSONS, Charles September 4, 1925 October 25, 2013 Charles passed away suddenly Friday morning, October 25, 2013 and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind where He is now.

His new home is in the home of his friend and Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you knew Charlie, you heard him say this: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

This simple Scripture served as the foundation of his long, impactful life.

Charlie was a renowned horticulturist and florist, a teacher, a civic leader, a WWII veteran, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, but above all else he wanted people to know about the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

In happy tones, he would tell anyone who would listen (and even some who wouldn’t) that Jesus is the key to heaven, happiness and a full, meaningful life.

He would share that truth in boardrooms, at family gatherings, in churches, prisons and basically, everywhere he went.

He never shared with condemnation or as a preacher, but like someone who had found a hidden treasure that was too good to keep to himself.

Charlie LOVED family, and everyone was family as far as he was concerned.

He was often moved to tears while praying for a simple family meal, overcome with gratitude for the blessings that God had given him in this life.

He made it a point to “speak life” into others, esteeming them, praising them and thanking them for their presence in his life.

He was passionate about ministering to prisoners and getting the Bible into people’s hands through his work with Gideon’s International.

Though he might’ve seemed like a saint to others, Charlie knew the truth: he was a sinner, saved only by God’s Amazing Grace.

His life-change in Christ made him strive to be generous, forbearing, affectionate and unceasingly energetic.

He worked long and hard in his beloved garden almost until the day he died, always cutting, arranging and gifting others with his beautiful floral arrangements.

Our loss is great, but Charlie’s gain is greater.

Rarely has it been so obvious where someone was headed after this life.

Charlie is smiling, laughing and probably crying in the loving presence of Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his sweetheart of 66 years, Dorothy Parsons; his daughters Claudia Ridgely (Dan) and Linda Smith (Dennis); six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and a spiritual family tree that numbers in the thousands.

Memorial services will be held Friday, November 1st, at 1PM at Turning Point Open Bible Church, 11911 N Division Street, Spokane, WA 99218.

Donations can be made in Charlie’s honor to Gideon’s International.