Private funeral services for Richard Ardell Parsons, 76, of Bainbridge, Ga., are being handled by Ivey Funeral Home.

Born on Nov. 17, 1932, in Mount Vernon, Wash., Mr. Parsons died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at his residence.

Mr. Parsons graduated from Anacortes High School in Washington, where he excelled as an athlete. He served in the U.S. Air Force for five years and served as a cadet at Bainbridge Air Base. Mr. Parsons retired from the City of Seattle, Wash., as an engineer and was previously employed by Texaco Refinery in Convent, La.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Nancy Braswell Parsons of Bainbridge; his son, Clay Parsons of Monroe, Wash.; three daughters, Barbara Parsons of Bainbridge, Susan Rebecca Neff of Sunshine, La., and Melanie Anne Zedlitz of St. Gabriel, La.; a brother, Dennis Parsons of Everett, Wash.; two sisters, Diana Bruskrud and Lucina McFadden, both of Everett, Wash.; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.