Franklin-Dale Parsons, Sr., 87, died peacefully at his home on September 7th after a brief illness. He was born on April 10, 1929 in Hambleton, West Virginia. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Belle. He was predeceased by his parents Delton and Julia Parsons and two sisters Rosalind and Patty Gene.

His survivors include 4 sons, Dale Jr. (Ginny) of Hana, Hawaii, Tim of Courtland, Douglas (Heather) of Chesapeake, and Brian of Norfolk and 4 daughters, Susan Kitchen (Mark) of Franklin, Patricia Bryant (Mac) of Courtland, Judy Parsons (George) of Wakefield, and Mary Parsons (Mark) of Wilmington, North Carolina. Also 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

His family moved to Newport News during the Great Depression and that is where he met his loving wife of many years, Belle. During World War II, he worked on the C&O Railroad, since he was too young to serve in the military. He graduated from Newport News High School in 1948 and ran track under the legendary Julie Conn. He later served with distinction in the US Naval Reserves. He coached basketball for many years in the Newport News YMCA Church league. The car business was Dale's passion and he worked at Casey Chevrolet for many years before opening his own dealership, Dale Parsons Chevrolet in Franklin, in 1980. After retiring from the automotive business, he opened Western Tidewater Insurance Adjusters and operated it until his wife Belle's death in 2007. He loved his family very much and anyone who knew him was aware of his love of good hot dogs and sports. He had a photographic memory and could recall just about anything. He loved nothing more than a good family get together and was also an excellent cook.

Visitation will be Friday at 6pm at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin. A funeral service will be held at 11AM Saturday September 10, 2016 at High Street United Methodist Church in Franklin with Rev. Nathan Decker officiating. It will be followed by a graveside service at 2PM at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News. Memorial donations may be made to High Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218 Franklin, VA 23851. www.wrightfuneralhome.org