Obituary of William Parsons

William J. Parsons, 91, of Pennsylvania Furnace, died on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at home. Born October 1, 1923 in Julian, he was the son of Jesse I. and Elizabeth Hand Parsons. He married Rachael Albright, on August 17, 1946, who survives at home. In addition to his wife of 68 years, Bill is survived by his four children, Janet Parsons of Duncannon, Robert Parsons and wife Grace, of Burlington, VT, Eddie Parsons and wife Deanne, of Shippensburg, and JoAnn Parsons of State College; three grandchildren, Trish, Shawn, and Jesse Parsons; sister-in-law Dolores Parsons; brother-in-law Stewart Williams; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James, Kenneth, and Paul Parsons; and sisters Eleanor Wilson and Martha Williams. He was life-long farmer, first working at Penn State Dairy barn, then owning and operating a dairy farm in Rock Spring and up until his death, a Christmas tree farm in Julian. Bill was a member of Pine Grove Presbyterian Church. He was past president of the Centre County Farm Bureau and served on the Centre County USDA FSA and ASCS committees for many years. Additionally, he was a member of the Centre County Ag Forum, Baileyvillle Sportsman Club, and Baileyville Grange for over 70 years. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Pine Grove Presbyterian Church, 150 West Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills, with the Reverend Carl Campbell officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be private in Graysville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Pine Grove Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 241, Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868, in memory of William J. Parsons. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.