Ronald Edwin Parkinson Sr., age 85 of Knoxville, TN, passed away Friday, August 6, 2021. Ron was born in Columbus, OH to the late Warren Parkinson and Lucille Gibson Parkinson. Ron graduated from The Ohio State University and began a career in Sales and Marketing. He married Barbara Jo Summers and they had two children, Cindy and Ron Jr. He was a single engine aircraft pilot and served as a Combat Air Crew Member Electronic Counter Measures in the United States Naval Reserves for 8 years. Some of Ron's fondest memories were participating in Cub Scouts with his mother and brother, boy scout camping with his father and brother, sharing anniversaries with his wife, flying small aircraft with his son, and swim meets with his daughter. He had many accomplishments over the years; Eagle Scout with Order of the Arrow, Master Councilor of DeMolay Columbus Chapter, President and Board Member of the National Wood Flooring Association, Vice President and National Sales Manager for Hartco Wood Flooring, Vice President of Marketing and Member of Knoxville Symphony Board, HDI Board Member at St. Mary's Hospital, Cokesbury United Methodist Church Finance Chairman for 4 years and Chairman of the Administrative Board for 9 years, Choir member since 1981, Director of First National Bank of Oneida serving various committees since 1985 and a 6 year Board Member of Wesley House Community Center. Ron mostly enjoyed flying airplanes, boating with his family, and singing in the church choir. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Lucille Parkinson.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Parkinson; daughter, Cindy Webb and husband Rod of Atlanta, GA; son, Ron Parkinson Jr.; grandchildren, Cody, Raleigh, and Zoe Webb; brother, James Parkinson and wife Doris of Malta, OH as well as nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ron's family will gather with friends for a Memorial Service on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 2:00pm at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to Wesley House Community Center, Susannah's House, or Cokesbury Church South Side Music Dept.
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