Vinson A. Parsons

       ASHEVILLE, NC – Vinson A. Parsons of Givens Estates, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the age of 91. He was a long-time resident of Asheville and parishioner of St. Eugene Catholic Church.

      Mr. Parsons was born in Frankfort, Kentucky on October 22, 1932, to Richard A. and Nina Ruth Parsons. He graduated from Frankfort High School in 1950 and attended Morehead State University. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy aboard the world's first nuclear power submarine, the USS Nautilus during its early historic years. After completing his tour of duty in the military, he completed his undergraduate college education at Mitchell College and the University of Connecticut, where he received a B.S. in Accounting. He later attended the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration’s Advanced Management Program.

      Mr. Parsons was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Elizabeth A. Parsons, of Norwich, Connecticut; a brother, Richard A. Parsons of Murrietta, California; and a sister, Patsy Ruth Norton, of Frankfort, Kentucky. He is survived by 17 widely dispersed nieces and nephews, and his long-time close personal friend, Patricia Albert, of Givens Estates.

      Upon completion of his studies at the University of Connecticut, he was employed by Price Waterhouse & Company, serving numerous diversified clients ranging geographically from the Boston to the New York City area. He later joined the Brand-Rex Company of Willimantic, Connecticut as Controller and after a series of appointments, retired from the Brand-Rex Company’s parent company organization, Akzona, Inc, Asheville, North Carolina, as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and a member of its Board of Directors. Following his retirement, he did consulting work and was involved in a number of leveraged buyouts and initial public offerings. He served on the corporate boards of Altamont Insurance Company, Ltd., American Tape Company, Brintec Corporation, Control Technology Corporation, System Software Associates, Inc., and numerous foreign and domestic subsidiaries of some of those companies. His business activities gave rise to considerable international travel, particularly in Europe and Asia. He served on 18 corporate boards in 14 countries. He often called an airplane his second home.

      He always tried to reflect a sense of humor and often brought moments of levity to otherwise serious business and personal conversations. He tried to maintain that sense of humor to his demise.

      While living in the Asheville, North Carolina area, he was active in community affairs and served on the Boards of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, YMCA, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater, the United Way, and Sisters of Mercy Services Corporation. He was a member of the Country Club of Asheville (past president), Biltmore Forest Country Club, and the University Club of New York City. He served on the Weaverville Town Council, Commission for the Reorganization of Buncombe County Government, Buncombe County Audit Committee, and the Buncombe County Finance Corporation. He was listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Science and Industry from 1975.

      He will be in inurned next to his deceased wife at the St. Eugene Catholic Church Columbarium in a private ceremony. No other services are planned. Arrangements are being handled by West Family Funeral Services, Weaverville, North Carolina and condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.