David Parsons Obituary

It seems so amazing that this email arrived today because David has appeared in my dreams the past two nights. He was there, as always, as my leader, mentor, and my trusted inspiration. He will be forever. He was the person I aspire to be inside and outside my dreams. I honor him daily in some small way.

The typical way is by trying to leave a place better than I found it. I am pretty sure that David never took a step without doing so. I never EVER saw him pass ANY visible trash. NEVER. I once watched him walk a hallway full of student and teacher distractions. I leaned down to see what was on the floor ahead of him, trying to locate a piece he couldn't see, much less pick up. Nope. He got every piece.

I lingered at my door when the bell rang. As all the other doors closed, I looked down a hallway that looked exactly as it would upon entering the building before anyone arrived.

I wish I could be THAT kind of person.

I have a small story to add; something that happened very recently. I ran into someone at a tiny political rally with whom I immediately became good friends because of the amazing ways our lives crossed over and linked. One of those ways in the first conversation was on the topic of teaching. When she heard that I was a retired teacher, she told me that she had intended to become one, but did not end up following through. She told me about a few of the courses she'd been taking right before she had to stop, and for some reason started to explain more about a distance learning lab that she was taking a class in. My ears pricked up a bit because Garrett had hosted one of the few distance learning labs in Charleston. While I was starting to wonder if she'd been at ours, she was into this side story of how she and her classmates always had trouble being locked out because their instructor wasn't on time. She began this very elaborate description of the principal of the school location; how he was so apologetic, so warm, friendly, and going to great lengths to be as hospitable and accommodating as possible. Finally I jumped in! "Did he have red hair? Strawberry blonde really, was it?!" My heart delighted in hearing about him, especially with such glowing words from a stranger. "Yes," she said.. I went on to tell her that, not only was my classroom directly above her head at the time, but what an amazing person she'd had the fortune of encountering. The story just shows how widespread and consistently positive Mr. Parsons's impact was. I still miss him so very much. --but it's a good feeling to know that the ripples of all that was wonderful in him are still flowing out in the world.

David cared so deeply for others. His dedication to and concern for, his students, the faculty, the programs and the mission of Garrett Academy were always foremost in his mind. I knew David from the time we were undergraduates at UGA and I will miss him without measure. He was a blessing to so many.

I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Parsons passing. He was a true educator and a delightful man to work for. I enjoyed working with him at Garrett and have many fond memories. His quiet sense of humor was my absolute favorite. Rest easy, Mr. Parsons, you touched the lives of many during your time here on earth.
With sympathy,

I am terribly saddened to hear that David passed away. I have such warm and happy memories of our working together in Charleston County School District. David was a mentor to many and a support to all. No challenge was too great for him. I am so grateful to have known David. Susan, you both are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with David in Augusta and always enjoyed running into him when I moved to Charleston .

Remembering you and in our minds and in our hearts. A loving educator and a friendly face.

Teresa Calhoun G.A.T class of 03

It was a pleasure and an honor to work with Mr. Parson's at Garrett Academy of Technology. I probably gave him a few grey hairs by asking for forgiveness versus asking for permission. He provided many opportunities for our "Falcon Family." Just as the sun will set then rise with each and every dawn, the souls of those who lived life well eternally live on. Now that the sun has seemed to set on our dear friend, please know a soul who lived so well remains forever near.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will miss you Mr. Parsons. You were a awesome principal. Friendly, approachable, and fair. Class of 2006

I was so sad to hear that David had passed away. I first met David at St. John's High School where we both worked. He was a special education teacher who worked with some of the students who had behavioral problems that prevented them from attending the regular classes. He had a special talent that allowed him to reach these students when no one else could. He was soft spoken and kind and could de-escalate a tense situation that allowed these students to stay in school and continue their education. David went on to get his Master's Degree in Secondary Administration and later worked as the Associate Principal at Garrett Academy of Technology. As part of his job, he intervened and prevented student arguments and stopped physical altercations when it was necessary. Somehow he got the nickname, Ric Flair, because he was so successful and prevented students from
being hurt or hurting others. He was loyal, efficient, dependable, and was an extremely hard worker who took his position seriously. He worked well with students, parents, faculty, and staff. David later became the Principal at Garrett Academy and worked there until his retirement. He was well liked and touched many lives for the better. I was so lucky to have worked with him. He will be missed by so many. Pat Edwards, former Principal of Garrett Academy of Technology

My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Parsons. He was an amazing educator and a very fair man. RIP Mr Parsons #GATalumni #co2005

He was a great principal and a great person to know. Sleep on Mr. Parsons

Prayers for peace during this time for the family. You were an amazing educator, friendly administrator, and always supportive of your students. It has been a pleasure and an honor to have known you and all the hard work you've done at GAT.

Mr. Parsons,
You were one of the best assistant principals at Garrett. You were very Humble and Fair man. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family who lost a brilliant, caring and loving man. You really cared about the students at Garrett. SIP Mr. Parsons. #GAT #FALCONS #C/O2003

Celebrating a life that will truly be missed. You've embarked on a lot of your GAT students....you will always be remembered by us ....condolences to the Parson family ....GAT 04' alumni

Sorry for your loss.. he was an amazing principal..

Mr Parsons was a definite staple and solid member of GAT, humorous and gifted at breaking up fights, as well as an easy going guy to talk to. 14 years later after graduating I still have warm thoughts about "Chuck Norris" Parsons... truly saddened, will be missed dearly.... GAT, class of 2002

I am deeply saddened and painfully hurt to hear of Mr. Parsons' passing. I met Mr. Parsons when I first came to Garrett to sub.teach in 1996, and he was an assistant principal. He was such a dedicated Asst. Principal and Principal here at Garrett Academy who were always willing to share and patiently show others how to complete many tasks. His personality was that of a bright,strong, respectable, approachable, humble,and caring individual who loved all of his teachers and students. God Bless his soul because he showed his love, peacefulness, and humbleness while he lived here on earth.

Sorry for your lost. My prayers go out to your family. Mr. Parsons was a great person and always easy to talk to. Will be missed. GAT Class of 05

A quiet gentle spirit. Mr. Persons loved being an educator. He gave all of himself for his students. A true gem, we've lost.

Will you always be a great memory Mr.Parsons, cool calm and laid back guy. R.I.P #Garrettalumni #Classof06

I am saddened to learn of the passing of David. I first met and worked with him when we were job coaches / transition specialists in 1993. While he was a great teacher and leader to all the students he served throughout his career, he had a special gift working with those with behavioral and emotional challenges. His passion and love of his work showed through and he was liked and repected by both students and faculty. When I was assigned to Garrett in 2006 (my contract was with CCSD's central staff), he made me feel at home as a member of the school family. He was an amazing principal in that he provided teachers and staff the support and resources to do their jobs yet did not micro-manage. I'll always remember his dry sense of humor that made me chuckle at faculty meetings! Under his leadership, Garrett thrived as reflected by student achievement data. Thank you David for the positively touching so many lives including my own. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Mr. Parsons was a great assistant principal. I remember how you would stop and talk with me and friends at the lunch table. Also the words of advice you gave me when I decided to join the military. You will be missed

Mr.Parsons was a very humble guy! My condolences to his family. May you find peace in knowing that he is at rest.

Mr. Parsons had a caring, gentle spirit and sharp sense of humor. I learned so much from him. Garrett Academy has missed him since the day he left and has never been the same since.

I am blessed to have known his calm spirit and sharp sense of humor. We have missed him so at Garrett Academy. It was never the same.

One of the best principals GAT had. Mr. Parson will truly be missed.

You can't know what David meant to me. He was my mentor and a great boss. Without your guidance I wouldn't be the administrator I am today. I thank you so much for all you've given me.

Mr Parsons was one of the people who gave me my start in education. My condolences to the family and he will be missed. RIP MR Parsons Garrett Family

On behalf of the Noisette family I extent my deepest condolences. We are truly sorry for your loss.

So sorry for the lost! Great man! Thank you for the opportunity and believing in me as an educator! You will be missed!

it was a honor having you as my high school principal rest in peace mr parsons

David, you know that I always considered you my "professional father - my Daddy at work" and literally felt abandoned when you left. --but I forgave you and only wanted you to have the best time ever after that. What you didn't know is that your model and example in living your philosophy of life completely changed my own. I am a different person - a much better one for knowing you. My gratitude is endless. Your peacefulness, your compassion, and your integrity... I will try to do you honor in carrying these forward. There was no one like you. I am so fortunate to have been in your path.

My Condolences goes out to the Family...Mr Parsons was such a great Principal and He will be Truly Missed...Garrett Academy

So sad that such a kind and caring soul has left us so soon. Whether it be faculty or students at Garrett Academy, he was always supportive and a true gentleman. He will be missed.
Liz Franchini

I am so sorry to hear about your passing Mr. Parsons. As a student at Garrett Academy, you showed that you cared on numerous occasions. I remembered after my mother's passing, you saw that my grades were suffering and you tried your best to make sure there were resources available to me so that I could get extra help. I will never forget that! You remembered my who my mom was even though she had passed two years prior! Very great Principal. Garrett Academy truly misses you. Rest in Peace Mr. Parsons.

Wonderful man who cared about his students and staff. We had many Gold and Silver awards under his leadership.

I still remember the first time I met David. My best friend and colleague were enjoying the live Band at the Sand Dollar on Folly Beach and we met Mr. Parsons and found out that David had just been hired to be the associate principal of the new Garrett Academy of Technology. What a great Leader and caring soul. David certainly knew how to appreciate everyone for their talents and a job well done. I will always remember Mr. Parsons and will cherish the times I worked along side him in the trenches and halls of Garrett. He was respected and loved by all.

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Parsons passing. I had the utmost respect for him while working as Guidance Secretary at Garrett Academy in Charleston, SC.

February 25, 2016
In memory of a gentle person, who truly appreciated people and respected their opinions. One who will be missed in our lives.

You were a good man with a gentle soul. I loved hearing your life stories. Rest in peace Mr. Parsons.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

David, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to join your school family more than 20 years ago. You have touched countless lives. We will love you and miss you always.

David,
I missed our talks about the cats on your morning walks in the neighborhood. I am guessing you will be watching over them from now on.