Charles Alfred "Al" Parsons went to his heavenly home on September 11, 2025. He was born February 1, 1936 in Liverpool, WV to Romie David Parsons and Okley Chloe Warren Parsons.  He was raised in Reedy, WV and left school at 16 for a job at the Homer Laughlin Pottery in Newell, WV. In 1953, at the age of 17 he convinced his mother to sign his papers to enter the US Navy and went to boot camp in Bainbridge, MD. He was on the USS Newport News CA148 for 4 years and then returned home where he was employed at Southern Columbia Chemical in Akron, Ohio. He then worked a short time for Ray Law delivering miscellaneous food items to various small country stores in Roane and Calhoun Counties. In 1958 he re-enlisted in the Navy and traveled the world on the Henry W. Tucker DD875, the USS Radford DD/DDE446, the USS Sproston DD577 and the USS El Paso LKA117, rising over the years from a Fireman Apprentice to a Boiler Technician Chief. While aboard the USS Radford, he received Shellback status when he crossed the Equator on July 14, 1963. The last 3 years of his service was at the Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and he retired in 1973.

Using the experience he received while in the Navy, he went to work for Coen Burner Company in 1974 as a Field Service Technician. He repaired boiler systems at large and small companies across the country and went as far as Alaska and Yugoslavia. He moved to Michigan in 1978 and went to work for Bay Medical Center in the Engineering Department. With a desire to be closer to family, he accepted an engineering position at Broughton Dairy in Marietta, Ohio in 1982. After 2 years he received an offer to return to Michigan and Bay Medical Center and worked there until his retirement in 2000.

In 1992 Al started attending the USS Radford DD/DDE446 reunions which gathered shipmates who served aboard her during the period 1942-1969.  He accepted the role of 1960's Director becoming the voice of all that served during the 60's. In 2008 he was elected President of the Association and served in that role through 2021.

He and his fiance Kimberly Walker Parsons (who he always called Kimmy) moved to Spencer, WV in August 2000 and they were married on their front lawn on September 23, 2000.  He happily took on the role of father to Kimberly's sons CJ and Jason and fully enjoyed his retirement. He spent many years renovating their old farmhouse. Every day he could be found in his workshop crafting a variety of items for Kimmy and family and friends. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix. If something was broken all he had to do was look at it and he knew how to fix it. It was a day well spent when he had dirty hands and dirty clothes.  Every year he looked forward to opening season with his dear brother Herbert and also hunting with his good friend Gary Nichols.  He was a fan of gospel and country music and enjoyed watching old western movies. And every once in a while, he would play his harmonica. He loved to share a good story and he had a great listening ear as well.

He was all that is good – patient, kind, even-tempered, gracious and merciful.  If someone needed help with anything, he would stop what he was doing and lend a hand. He loved spending time with family whether it was a holiday get together or a Warren family reunion. He was Uncle Al to his nieces and nephews, Chuck to his wife and children and Pop to his grandchildren. No matter the name, he was a blessing to all who loved him.

He is survived by his wife of almost 25 years Kimberly Parsons, sons Charles "CJ" Walker of Pennsylvania, Jason Walker (Stefanie) of Reynoldsburg, OH, brother Herbert Parsons of Spencer, WV and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Judy Lou Starcher and Margie Mae Harris and his brothers James Michael Parsons and Kevin Parsons.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 15th at 10:00 followed by a memorial service at 11:00 with Pastor Tim Couch officiating at the Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home in Spencer, WV. A graveside farewell and military honors will be held at Evergreen Cemetery North in Parkersburg, WV.