William Parsons, Jr.

Has it been a year already? Bill’s image, his voice, his wonderful presence are still fresh in my memory. It was always great to be with him, to see his extraordinary competence on display, and to witness his kind-hearted, generous approach to life. I miss him greatly.

I met Bill at St John´s Episcopal Church. We loved our church and became good friends in our service to it. I´ve never met a man with more natural charm and innate ability. He was self-assured without being cocky and was a man of principle. I´ll never forget his smile.

I see Bill now - perhaps age 16 - striding along the path next to the Academy Building. So tall. A singular classmate, smart, but no nerd; his stature, his popularity made it feel OK for us nerds to be smart. I never saw him again, but will always see him.

Bill and I lived in the same house during our senior year at Exeter and we got along exceptionally well. Sadly, after Exeter we went in different directions and never crossed paths again. But Bill, as he was then, remains distinctly in memory and as such, I'm pleased to have the opportunity to extend both condolences and best wishes to his family.

Bill was my first cousin and, while our paths didn´t cross very frequently, it was always great fun to see him when we did get together. My sincere sympathy goes out to his sisters, his children and Wife, and all the younger family members as well.

Bill and I went to Buckley School together over 65 years ago. Bill was such a gem, and so truly talented at everything he did- the practice of law as a partner at a top law firm, college sports, racehorses, chair of the Board of The Buckley School, but most of all a great friend who was always fun to be with, charming, easy to laugh with, and incredibly smart- but never advertised that. Bill made you feel welcome and seemed to love your company with his easy smile and laugh. What a great...