Charles “Chuck” Parsons, of Waynesville, NC passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the age of 74.

Charles was born in Darmstadt, Germany on Wednesday, March 2, 1949.

Prior to making a career as a carpenter and being a jack of all trades, Charles served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was very proud of his military service as an Aircraft & Engine Mechanic. Charles obtained various medals and badges, including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, and Expert Badge with Rifle Bar. After his military career, Charles became an active member of the National Rifle Association.

Charles was an artisan who enjoyed sketching, woodworking, and metal art sculpting. He loved crafting and carving beautiful objects, including tobacco pipes, necklaces with pendants, and statues out of all types of materials, from driftwood to more exotic hardwoods, ivory, bone, clay, and bronze.

In addition to his art, Charles enjoyed sailing, boating, fishing, and scuba diving. He also volunteered at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, helping with the build of their shark exhibit, from beginning to end, as well as caring for the other tanks and species. He had a very big heart for animals, and adopted many throughout the years. Cats and dogs, he loved them all dearly and were his “furry kids”. He attended services at Crossroads Church in Asheville, NC. Charles was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Charles will be remembered for how he “loved his girls!”

Charles is preceded in death by his mother, Maria Weiland Parsons and sister, JoAnn Fry.

Left to cherish Charles’ memory are his wife, Mary Kathleen “Mary Kay” Leonard; daughters, Sydonia Fortunato (Dennis) of Baxter, TN, Shardae Antonikowski (James) of Spruce Pine, NC, and Skyla Parsons, of Clyde, NC; Chelle Parsons (daughter’s mother); and grandchildren, Aveen Nixon, Harlyn McCluney, Trent Fortunato, and Elizabeth Antonikowski. Charles is also survived by his first cousin and best friend, Reginald Barker.

A memorial service will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 12PM with military honors. Pastor Michael Brown is officiating.