Joseph Parsons

Joseph Parsons was born on December 29, 1945, in Taylorsville, North Carolina, to Isaac Lee Howell and Edna Marie Parsons King. He was the eldest of eleven children, with ten siblings—seven brothers and three sisters.

In the summer of 1963, Joseph set out on a quest, leaving his hometown of Taylorsville in search of new experiences and a fresh start. His journey led him to the San Fernando Valley in California, where fate introduced him to the love of his life, Olga Flores.

After dating for some time, Joseph and Olga married on August 7, 1968. They were later blessed with two beautiful children: Cole Parsons, now 56, and Tai Parsons, now 43. In the spring of 1977, they purchased their first home in Pacoima, California, where they spent the next 15 years building a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

In September 1992, Joseph, Olga, and Tai returned to Joseph’s hometown of Taylorsville, North Carolina, where Olga, Tai, and her children continue to call home. Cole remains in California with his wife and children.

Joseph had a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, always finding something productive to do—whether it was tending to the yard, restoring classic cars, or running errands with purpose. Music was another one of his passions. His playlists reflected his wide-ranging taste, from the timeless grooves of Earth, Wind & Fire and the smooth sounds of Chuck Mangione to the classic charm of Frank Sinatra.

Joseph had a genuine love for the screen—not only as a viewer, but as someone captivated by what happened behind the scenes and eager to be part of the picture himself. He took acting classes and appeared in a tire commercial, as well as several film productions, in a supporting role as a background extra. Each experience gave him a chance to step into a world he admired. His time on set may have been brief, but it was a dream fulfilled—and one he truly enjoyed living out.

When it came to movies, he had his favorites—nothing beat a good Western or an episode of Star Trek. But more than anything, Joseph cherished spending time with his one true love—his best friend, his beloved wife, Olga. Whether they were watching a movie, enjoying music, or simply sharing a quiet moment, her presence made everything better.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by four brothers—John Henry Parsons, Jerry King, Melvin King, and Michael Hooper; a sister, Valrie King; and a nephew, LaShone King.

Those left to celebrate and cherish Joseph’s memory include his wife of fifty-seven years, Olga Parsons; his son, Cole Parsons, and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Ruttlen-Parsons; and his daughter, Tai Parsons. He was also a proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: four granddaughters—Janique, Janissa (twins), Holiday, and Asher of California—and six grandsons—Dartagnan, Keyser, and Ever of California, and Landon, Greyson, and Kingston of Taylorsville.

Joseph is survived by four brothers: Virgil King and his wife Cynthia of California; David King and his wife Lossie of Taylorsville; William King and his wife Janice of Taylorsville; and Johnny King of Taylorsville.

He also leaves behind two sisters, Marylynn King and Nancy King, both of Taylorsville; four sisters-in-law, Sheila Hopper of Hickory, Beulah Parsons of Taylorsville, Sandra Beamon of Nevada, and Ally Jefferson and her husband William of California; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends—many of whom are considered family.

            A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel.

            Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.

            Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Joseph Parsons.

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