Randel “Randy� Van Parsons was born October 22, 1951 in OKC, OK to Gerald and Alma Parsons. Randy went to be with Jesus on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

Randy “Pop� as he was known to grandchildren Harper, Jack, and Ruby was an incredibly dedicated and active “Pop�. He loved his grandchildren in just the way a Pop can. He never missed an opportunity to attend an event, play, or support his grandkids.

Randy grew up in OKC and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1969. There Randy developed his love for singing and directing choral music from teacher and mentor “Ozzie� Ossenkop. Randy went on to lead the Capitol Hill Alumni Choir from 2015-2022.

Randy began leading the singing in Southern Baptist churches in the 7th grade. Randy also worked diligently in his father’s barber shop, Parsons Barber Shop at SW 29th and May as a shoe shine boy, and then a licensed barber at age 16 and Master Barber at age 19. Randy continued to cut hair through his entire life in the garage, and later, in a special barber shop he built into his home.

Randy attended college at Cameron State University, Central State University and Oklahoma Baptist University. There he met his bride of 50 years, Judy King. At OBU, Randy majored in Music Education and graduated in 1973.

Following his graduation from OBU, Randy served in many Southern Baptist Churches as Minister of Music; First Baptist Church, Wewoka, OK (1972-1974), Chisholm Heights Baptist Church, Mustang, OK (1974-1993), Waterloo Road Baptist Church, Edmond, OK (1993-1995), Howard Memorial Baptist Church, Del City, OK (1996-1999). Along with being a Minister of Music, that role combined in Randy’s life over the year with Youth Ministry, Education Ministry and Associate Pastor.

In 1995, Randy began working for MetLife Insurance where he was a Fee Based Financial Advisor.

In 1999, Randy moved to Jefferson City, MO to serve there as Executive Director of “Future Generations�, a statewide endowment campaign benefiting 6 Baptist Institutions.

In 2004, Randy was Executive Vice President of Nicklas Financial Companies, Jefferson City.

In 2005, Randy moved to Van Buren, AR where he served as Development Director for Northwest Arkansas for the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes. In 2009, Randy semi-retired and moved to Edmond, OK where he and his son, Matt, co-owned Antique Avenue Market where Randy bought and sold antiques and focused on his Antique & Estate Fine Jewelry business. Randy sold his half interest in the Business to Erin Stephens in May 2021, and continued in the Jewelry Business until Christmas Eve 2022.

Randy was a past member of the “Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma� and along with Judy, was an active member of Quail Springs Baptist Church where together they led singing for their Sunday School class. Randy was a dedicated follower of Jesus. He loved the Lord. He actively pursued meaningful relationships with most people he met. He invested heavily in his families’ lives and attended every single event he could. He made that a priority.

Randy “finished strong� by being joyful, grateful, positive, supportive and encouraging up to his final day.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Parsons and Alma Brady Parsons; brother, Brady Parsons; and infant niece, Brooke Parsons. Randy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy King Parsons, Edmond, OK; twin sons, Matt Parsons and his wife Beth, Arcadia, OK and Jody Parsons, Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Harper Parsons, Tulsa, OK, Jack Parsons, Arcadia, OK and Ruby Parsons, Arcadia, OK; sister in law, Bobbie Parsons, OKC, OK; nephew, Brent Parsons and his wife Keeley; great nephew and nieces, Hunter, Hattie and Maebree; niece, Amanda Parsons Isaacs and her husband Chad; great nephews and niece, Blake, Ben and Maggie. Randy is also survived by many extended family members and close friends.
Posted By: Administrator - 03-06-2023
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