Graveside services will be held for George William Parsons on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 2:30 PM at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Rev. Steffon Arrington will officiate.On Sunday, February 12, 2017, George Parsons stepped into heaven to be with the LORD. There is no doubt that he is out in the warm sunshine tending the LORD gardens in heaven.George was born in Cheniere, Louisiana on August 1, 1930. Being the first and only son, he learned the value of hard work and passed that on to his children. He was a loyal graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Horticulture. He also obtained a Masters in Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University.George proudly served in the Air Force from 1955-1958 and in the Air Force Reserve until 1965, resigning as a Captain. After his active duty service in the Air Force, he returned home to Ouachita Parish to work as the City Planner for Monroe. He worked for years as the City Planner in both Monroe and Shreveport contributing greatly to numerous city projects, including the Monroe Civic Center Complex and the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. In 1980, Georgeserved as Director of Plans and Policies for the State of Mississippi. During this time, he began his long association with the National Main Street Program which focuses on promoting the preservation and rejuvenation of older downtown commercial districts.George completed his career as a Professor at Mississippi State, in the School of Architecture and leading the School Small Town Center, continuing his work with the Main Street Program.One of George lifelong true passions was baseball. He played for both Louisiana Tech and LSU, in addition to playing Legion ball. George was also an avid, lifelong tennis player, often competing in league tournaments locally, regionally and nationally.George LOVED being outside in the beauty of God creation and was seemingly always in the yard, trimming, planting, watering, or cutting some flowers to bring inside for a bud vasefor his loved ones. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passion for plants with others, especially his kids a visit home almost always included making room in the truck for a pot or two or a couple dozen!!! All of us gratefully cherish more than a few of Dad living gifts in our yards!!! Even while battling Alzheimer, his love of plants and being outside never diminished.There is no question that George loved God and encouraged his children to have a close relationship with God. The family wants to express their appreciation to the church family of Spring Woods UMC as well as friends and neighbors for their support, love and prayers.George was preceded in death by his wife Beth, his beloved mother and father, Vardie and Virgia Parsons and his sisters Sharon Graves and Shirley Parsons and grandson, Joshua Parsons. He is survived by his sisters: Thelma Clements, Billie Owens and Lynn Parsons; his children: Lauren Bokel, Layne Parsons and his wife Vicki and Lonn Parsons; and his grandchildren: Noah and Simon Parsons.II Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.Visitation will be held Saturday, February 17, 2017 from 1:30 until 2:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe. In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to the Alzheimer Association in George name.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.comKilpatrick Funeral HomeWest Monroe, LA