Obituary of Reverend Barbee Olis Parsons

Reverend Barbee Olis Parsons, of Lugoff, SC, entered his eternal rest on Monday, September 28, 2026. He was man of unwavering faith and led a life steeped in service and devotion, not only to his family, but also to his congregation and community. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, and he will be deeply missed.

Barbee was born in a logging camp at Brittons Neck, SC in 1933 to Maxie Olis and Nadine Baxley Parsons, where his father was the Commissary Officer. The family soon moved to Hemingway, SC, where he grew up on a farm, gaining a love of horses and learning the values of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Barbee met his future wife, Barbara Johns, while working in Sumter, SC in his first adult job as a Freight Agent for the Seaboard Coastline railroad. After courtship, they married in June 1955 and then shared over 71 years together. Their family grew from four children, Randy Parsons (Bonny); Howard Parsons; Angela Parsons Forbes; and Chris Parsons (Kim) to nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Their 70th anniversary was especially memorable, when they enjoyed a celebration with their children, several grandchildren and great-grands, Barbara’s brother and cousins, along with friends.

Although Barbee enjoyed working for the railroad, within a couple of years after marriage, he felt called to go into the Ministry, and in December 1958 became licensed to preach in the United Methodist Church. Over the next few years, he served several small community churches, and while serving near Hartsville, SC he graduated from Coker College in June 1963. He attended seminary at the Duke University Divinity School while also serving as pastor of Trinity United Methodist church in Louisburg, NC. When he completed the seminary program, he returned to SC and was assigned to serve four churches in and near McBee. In June 1967, while at McBee, he earned his Masters’s Degree and became ordained as a Traveling Elder in the United Methodist Church. He served the United Methodist Church as a pastor for over 40 years. Barbee believed that once you’re called to serve, you never really retire, so even though he formally retired in June of 2000, within a year he accepted the assignment to serve the three churches of the St Matthew charge near Bishopville, SC for four more years. After retiring from the position of church pastor, he continued to serve his community by working at Powers Funeral Home. His dedication to ministry was only matched by his passion for horses, a lifelong pursuit that brought him immense pleasure and serenity.

Barbee was a beacon of light in our lives, a man of excellent character and a loving husband to his wife Barbara. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sisters and brothers. He is survived by his wife, his four children, nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. As we mourn his passing, let’s remember Rev. Parsons for his dedication to service, his warm-hearted nature, and his unwavering faith. His life brings to mind the verse from Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Visitation for Rev. Barbee Parsons will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 2:00-3:00 pm at Powers Funeral Home , 832 Ridgeway Road, Lugoff, South Carolina, 29078. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at Powers Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home.