Matthew Jay Parsley, 53, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2010 in Austin, Texas. Born October 9, 1956 to Bill J. and Alice Hix Parsley, Matt's early years were spent in Lubbock, Texas where he graduated from Monterey High School. He had a love for both sports and music and played basketball and music throughout high school. An accomplished guitarist, he played with his band in college and always loved playing music with his friends and sons. Matt attended Texas Tech University where he received a B.A. in English and Anthropology in 1980 and a B.S. in Geoscience in 1984. He also received a Master's degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. On August 4, 1984, Matt married Lynne Opryshek in Austin, Texas. They moved to Fairfax, Virginia where Matt began a long career as he said "serving America's energy needs." A desire to return to Texas led Matt to a job with Marathon Oil, and they moved to Midland in 1989. In 1997, Matt formed Parsley Resources, Inc. and began his career as an independent petroleum geologist. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, West Texas Geological Society, the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, and First Presbyterian Church. Matt served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Midland, including three years as President. He also participated in numerous church and community volunteer activities, always ready to help others. As a devoted father, Matt spent many hours coaching his sons in baseball, and continued to participate as an active supporter of the Midland High Football Booster Club. Many wonderful memories were made golfing, hunting, snow skiing and surfing with his beloved sons. Matt is preceded in death by his father, Bill J. Parsley and his brother Clay Parsley. He is survived by his wife, Lynne, sons, Nicholas and Samuel, his mother, Alice Parsley of Lubbock, and his brother and sister-in-law, Clint Parsley and Alex Albright of Austin and his nieces and nephews. Matt was a loving father, husband, son, brother and friend; he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 3rd at First Presbyterian Church in Midland with the Reverend Steve Schorr officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. Honorary pallbearers are Craig Aldridge, David Byrd, Robbie Christensen, Peter Courtney, Jad Davis, Brent Douglass, Mike Gates, Kemp Gorthy, Chuck Grigson, Lee Jones, Clif Magness, Earl Michie, Thom O’Brien, Jeff Salehi, Tony Sam, Rod Taylor and Bill Ward. Memorial contributions can be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of Midland, P.O. Box 248 Midland, TX 79702, First Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Fund, 800 W. Texas Midland, TX 79701, or a charity of one’s choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18