Joseph Harden Parson III

Joseph H. Parson, III, 94, went peacefully to heaven on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at the Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster following a brief illness. He leaves his wife, Shirley Anne (Chandler) Parson; his son, Bubba Parson; his nephews, Jack (Leslie) & Bill (Elizabeth) Norman; His great niece, Jessica Norman; his great nephew, Cooper Norman: his step-sons, Mark & Jeff; his step-daughter, Gina; his cousin, Gardner McCollum; and many close friends. He is preceded in death by parents, Joseph Harden Parson, Jr. and Kathleen (Parson) Ross; daughter, Patti Jo Braddy; and sister, Francis Norman. Born in Birmingham and raised in Hillman Alabama, Joseph was a long-time resident of Bessemer and Alabaster. Having a passion for baseball an upon graduating high school Joseph was offered a scholarship to Mississippi State University. Although unable to pursue baseball Joseph was called upon to serve his country and drafted into the U.S Army Air Force June 5,1943. Joseph was a decorated WWII veteran where battle campaigns include Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, with citations for World War II Victory and European-African-Middle Eastern Service, to also include 4 Bronze Stars. Joseph is also a Purple Heart recipient for wounds received in action on November 4, 1944. Sometime after his separation from military service in 1946 Joseph gained employment with the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Treasury where he would eventually retire as a federal employee. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the military and in life never left him, as friends and family will attest. Visitation services will be held on Saturday July 20th from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Sunday July 21st at 2:00 pm with grave side service to follow. All services will be at Ridouts Elmwood Chapel at 800 Dennison Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35211. In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to the WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Parson family.