Donald Grant Parsons

Donald Grant Parsons, 83 of Cumberland Gap, TN peacefully slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God surrounded by his wife on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Don was born on May 2, 1942, to the late Curtis and Estle Grant Parsons in Barbourville, KY on the Grant Family Farm. Don grew up in Evarts and Clover Fork area of Harlan, KY.

Don graduated from Evarts High School and attended Eastern Kentucky University.   Don learned his work ethic at an early age while working at the family Grocery store Mack’s alongside his parents. While in high school Don excelled as an athlete as the Evarts High School football teams Quarterback under the direction of Coach Charlie Hunter. After graduating from College, Don taught distributive education at both James A. Cawood and Wallins High Schools before transitioning into the role at the family grocery stores.

While Don enjoyed and found success at running the family grocery stores, he found true fulfillment in other business and entrepreneurial endeavors. His pursuits and successes were broad including: Cumberland Jewelry and Pawn, Payless Lumber Store, multiple restaurants, Western Auto, Ben Franklin, WTUK Radio Station, Don’s Super Saver, Smokin Joe’s, Crossroads Liquor and other businesses too numerous to mention.

Don was more than a businessman. He was visionary, he could take any property and renovate it into a profitable endeavor. His roots were deep-seated in being a great grocer, but his heart was in construction and real estate. He built and remodeled multiple buildings that he leased to an array of tenants.

Don was a diehard UK Wildcat’s fan. Always attending as many games as he could. When not following the Cats, Don could be found at Norris Lake boating or on a tractor mowing the farm.

Don was a civic leader, always donating to multiple causes around the community. He saw a need for health care in the Clover Fork area and was a founding member of the Clover Fork Clinic. Don was also always on several community boards including HARH, The Bank of Harlan, and HNB Bank.

Most importantly, Don was a loving and devoted husband, brother, son, and friend to all who knew him. He will forever be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Estle Grant and Curtis Parsons. His sister Patricia Bennett, and his two nephews, Jon and CV Bennett, He is also preceded in death by three special friends, Judge Karl Forester, Terry McBrayer, and Eugene Goss.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife Regina Brewer Parsons. His children, Ginger Parks and her husband David, Donna Martin and her husband Jeff, and Curtis Scott Parsons and wife Jennifer. His brother Harold Parsons and wife Lanola. His mother and father-in-law, Jack and Larvenia Brewer. And several grandchildren, and one great grandchild, and multitude of nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by special friends, Paul Ball, Earl Croushorn, Wayne Stratton, James Howard, Dan Mosley, Steve Miracle, Fred Busroe, Matt Nunez and many others too numerous to mention. Don will be missed by his special companion cats, Charlie and Lucy.

Special thanks to Garry Jim, Jeff and the Henson & Rich Funeral Home during our difficult time of bereavement. Also, a special thanks to Tonya Lee and her family for all their support, Alonda Lane for all her support, Ronnie and Sue Doyle for all their support, Wayne Stratton for all his help and my special neighbors LeeAnn and Darrell Walker and Carabeth and Brian Robbins. They were always so kind to Don and tried to help us do anything he wanted to do, or I needed done.  

Per his request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, Don wishes that memorial donations be made in his honor to Shriners Children’s Hospital 110 Conn Terrace Lexington, KY 40108 or to Saint Jude Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

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