Joseph H. Parson, III

Joseph H. Parson, III, 94, went peacefully to heaven on Thursday, July 11 at the Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster following a brief illness.

He leaves his wife, Shirley Anne (Chandler) Parson; his son, Bubba Parson; his nephews, Jack (Leslie) and Bill (Elizabeth) Norman; his great niece, Jessica Norman; his great nephew, Cooper Norman: his step-sons, Mark and Jeff; his step-daughter, Gina; his cousin, Gardner McCollum; and many close friends.

He is preceded in death by parents, Joseph Harden Parson, Jr. and Kathleen (Parson) Ross; daughter, Patti Jo Braddy; and sister, Francis Norman.

Born in Birmingham and raised in Hillman, Joseph was a long-time resident of Bessemer and Alabaster. Having a passion for baseball and upon graduating high school, Joseph was offered a scholarship to Mississippi State University. Although unable to pursue baseball, Joseph was called upon to serve his country and drafted into the U.S Army Air Force June 5,1943.

Joseph was a decorated WWII veteran where battle campaigns include Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, with citations for World War II Victory and European-African-Middle Eastern Service, to also include four Bronze Stars. Joseph is also a Purple Heart recipient for wounds received in action on November 4, 1944.

Sometime after his separation from military service in 1946 Joseph gained employment with the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Treasury where he would eventually retire as a federal employee. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the military and in life never left him, as friends and family will attest.

Visitation services will be held Saturday, July 20 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 21 at 2 p.m. with graveside service to follow. All services will be at Ridouts Elmwood Chapel at 800 Dennison Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35211.

In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to the WWII Museum in New Orleans.