Maitland resident, Donald C. Parsons, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2019. He was married to Marie Wilma (Willie) Parsons, also known as Gramma Smooch, for 68 years. Don and Willie met in high school and were sweethearts for 74 years. They raised four children: Donna, Wayne, Gary and Laurie, and were blessed with 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. In the final days of his life, Don stated that he was proud of the choices his children made in choosing their spouses: Mike, Gail, Terri, and Mark, respectively.

He graduated from Rutgers University with a BSBA in 1950. He was a 4-year starter for the Rutgers basketball team accumulating 1143 points in his career (26th overall). He held the Rutgers season scoring record in his sophomore year and was drafted by the New York Knicks.

Don was well-known in the Maitland community through his years with Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin). Glenn L. Martin personally hired Don to play basketball in the industrial league, and Don had the business acumen to turn that opportunity into a 23-year career as a personnel/employment manager in Baltimore, Denver, and ultimately, Orlando. Upon leaving Martin, Don spent the next 25 years as owner and president of Parsons' Consultants, Inc., a professional/technical search firm.

Don was involved with basketball as a player, referee, coach, and played into his 70's in the Senior Olympics. He was also an avid tennis player for over 40 years. Don loved all sports and spent many years watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and lacrosse in high school, college and beyond. He was their biggest fan. He loved snow skiing and was able to ski with most of his children and grandchildren. Don's love of life, particularly sports, is the legacy he left his family.

Don was a long-time member of Maitland Presbyterian Church in Maitland, Florida where he was a Sunday School teacher and Elder for nearly 52 years. There will be a Memorial Service at Maitland Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. The family requests donations be given to the church in lieu of flowers.