William C. Parkman

William C. Parkman, 77, cherished family man, deacon, mentor, and friend, passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol (Alexander) Parkman; their children, Frank Parkman, Emily Parkman & fiancé Warren Chu, Nicole Pagonis & husband Tom, Rebekah Parkman & significant other “C.T.”,  and Frances Elaine Toro; adoring grandchildren, Marissa Marie, Kimberly Ann, and Little William.  He leaves his brother, Wilie Dan Parkman, generations of nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends.  He is pre-deceased by three brothers, Charles,  Jerry, and Jimmy Ray Parkman.  

Son of the late Clyde & Fay (Weathersby) Parkman, William was born in Silver Creek, Mississippi.  Upon his family relocating to Roxbury, Massachusetts, William worked from a young age alongside his father and brothers in their family business, Parkman Service Station in Dorchester.  A gifted student athlete, William graduated from Boston English High School, Class of 1967 as a member of the varsity baseball and football teams.  He was recruited to play football for Hiram Scott College in Nebraska and drafted to play in the NFL by the Philadelphia Eagles.  Soon thereafter, William would marry his soulmate Carol and the couple would settle in Lancaster, Massachusetts, where together they would raise their children and family.  The consummate hard worker, William would complete further studies at Atlantic Union College and begin his professional career at College of the Holy Cross, where he worked as a building services supervisor for many years until retiring.  Post Retirement, he worked part-time for Securitas at the Harvard Primate Center in Southborough.  William was a man of faith and served as Deacon in the Brockton Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Known for his integrity, honesty, and respect of others, William lived and led by example.  He was above all, a devoted family man, faithful husband, loving father and grandfather.  He was most proud of his ancestral history, men and women of distinguished families from the South, who today own the same fields and lands that generations before them once worked under the throngs of slavery.  Blessed with a brilliant mind and passionate for his beliefs, William was an advocate and activist for the betterment of his communities and all social justices.  He believed in tradition, enjoyed simple pleasures in life, and shared many words to live by, notably one of his favorite expressions, “Your ego is not your amigo.”  Until we meet again William, “hold the line.”    

A Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at the Northborough Seventh-day Adventist Church, 30 Brigham St., Northborough, MA.  With thanks for their support of William and appreciation of their lift assist program, memorial contributions may be made in memory of William C. Parkman to: Clinton Firefighters, 555 Main St., Clinton, MA 01510.  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton.  Online condolences may be placed at www.mcnallywatson.com