Ralph D. Parsley, age 97 passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, August 1, 2012 at the Brown County Health & Living Community in Nashville. He was a life-long resident of Brown County.
Ralph was born July 7, 1915 in Nashville to the late Otto & Olive (Burris) Parsley. He married Garnet M. (Keaton) Parsley on August 14, 1938 in Trafalgar. Garnet preceded him in death on December 4, 2006, after 68 devoted years of marriage.
Ralph was the sole surviving graduate of the 1934 class of Morgantown High School. After graduation, he started is working career hauling sand and gravel with a team of horses for 40 cents a load. Ralph moved on to using one of the first trucks ever driven in Brown County. Also during the 1930’s and 40’s, he farmed different farms in Brown County all with horse drawn equipment and also worked at the canning factory in Morgantown. Ralph also worked for the Brown County Highway Department. He served two terms as the County Clerk of Courts. Finally in 1980, he retired from the Maintenance Department of Indiana University in Bloomington after 10 years of service.
Ralph was very active and dedicated to his church, family and community. He was a 70 year member of the Unity Baptist Church in Brown County where he was a Deacon, Brown County Historical Society, Brown County Old Settlers, where he and his wife were recognized in 2011 for their dedication through the years. Ralph was also a member of the Central Committee for the Brown County Democratic Party, Bean Blossom Boosters, Brown County Farm Bureau & REMC and the former Cattleman’s Association. He enjoyed coon hunting, IU Basketball and was a fan of the New York Yankees since 1929. Ralph also enjoyed reading and sitting on his front porch looking at the beautiful hills of Brown County.
Ralph was the loving father to Wanda R. Bunge of Nashville and the Rev. John C (wife, Susan R.) Parsley of Clearfield, UT. He will be remembered by his five grandchildren: Trudy M. (Greg) Icenogle of Zionsville, Polly A. (Kurt) Bailer of Greenwood, Angela R. (Chris) Kelly of Indianapolis, Jason D. (Jessalynn) & John “Rob” (Angela) Parsley both of Plainfield. Ralph will also be remembered by his five great grandchildren: Jamie, Mary & Maddie Icenogle all of Zionsville, Brock Bailer of Greenwood & Camden Parsley of Plainfield; one sister: Jean Dailey of Morgantown.
He was preceded in death by a son in law: Kenneth L. Bunge and a grandson: James Timothy Parsley.
The Revs. Wallace Jeffs & Lee Snider will conduct a funeral service 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Unity Baptist Church, 3 miles East of St. Rd. 135 on Spearsville Road in Brown County. Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Meredith – Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown and from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Monday at the church. Ralph will be laid to rest at the Unity Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent in honor of Ralph to the Brown County Health & Living Community, “Resident Activity Fund” 55 E. Willow St. Nashville, IN 47448.
Expressions of caring and kindness may be made to the Parsley family at www.meredith-clark.com.
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