Claude "Buddy" Parsons, Jr., 70, of Etowah won his battle with cancer and was called home to be with his Lord on October 28, 2019. Through comfort from the Holy Spirit, he was a gracious and courageous model to many all the way to the end.   He was born on March 27, 1949, and he was the husband of Faye Creasman Parsons.  They shared 51 years of marriage together.

Born in Etowah, TN, he was the son of the late Claude Sr. and Lorene Daniels Parsons.  He attended McMinn Central High School in the first graduating class of 1967.  He was a veteran of the US Army and the Vietnam War.  He was also employed as a locomotive engineer with CSX Railroad for 38 years.

He was a member of Goodsprings Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.  He loved teaching his class every week. Above all, he adored his wife, children and grandchildren.  He was an avid reader and collector in his spare time.

He is survived by his loving wife, Faye, their two children and spouses, Kelley (and David) Key and Jeremy (and Casey) Parsons and grandchildren Kirby, Haley, and Brady Key, Cami Eisenmenger, and Avery Parsons. He was the brother of Linda Carney. Wayne Parsons, and Dale Parsons, all of Etowah. He was the brother-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDaniel, Ms. Lora Creasman, Ms. Vivian Trotter, and Mr. George Golden.  He was preceded in death by sisters Mary Buckner and Deloris Stewart; brothers-in-law Raymond Creasman, Sam Creasman, and Hugh Trotter and sisters-in-law Janice Creasman and Flo Golden.  In addition, he leaves behind several dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2019 in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Dr. J. David Lones officiating. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday prior to the service. Family and friends will assemble at 10:00 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home and proceed to Goodsprings Cemetery for the 11:00 a.m. committal service with Military Honors. Pallbearers will include his eldest grandson, Kirby Key, and some of his lifelong friends and McMinn Central football teammates including Gene Davis, Ralph Jones, Al McCroskey, Carroll Ross, and Gene Smith.  Honorary pallbearers will include all of the guys and gals from Tuff St.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Music and Sound Departments of Goodsprings Baptist Church. P.O. Box 480, Etowah, TN 37331.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.  If you were unable to attend, you may sign the guest registry at www.bordwinefuneralhome.com .