Russell Kent PARSONS

"Professor Parsons" - those of you who knew him, know exactly of what I speak. His red pen in hand, there was no escaping his corrections. I'm certain he's checking my grammar and punctuation now, and wincing at the errors.

While speaking to him about a month before his passing, his humor was still so "Russell". He spoke of the "dreams" he had been having and the vivid description he provided was that of a true writer. He laughed when he talked about how when he was finally able to...

I had the privilege of working with Russell at Telco 25+ years ago. He was a wonderful boss and person. Years later when I was looking for a job, he was kind enough to assist me with my search. The obituary he wrote himself is nothing less that I would expect from him, truly moving and sincere about his love for his family, friends and life. My sincere condolences to his family.

I had the privilege of calling Russell a friend for nearly 50 years. We grew up on the same street in Houston and quickly became friends. It was easy to be friends with Russell, he was funny and smart and seemed always to be in a good mood. We were college roommates for several years and even managed to squeeze some learning in among all the good times!

In reading his obituary, I am reminded what an extraordinary person he was in life and how fortunate I was to call him a friend. I...

Even as a kid, Russell Parsons was generous. When MY parents would call on his parents to play bridge (that's what they TOLD us they were playing). Russell (and Julie) did not hesitate to break out the state of the art in kid technology, and let us make creepy crawlers. And Russell did not bogart the good plasti-goop, even sharing the "glow-in-the-dark" color. He was a wonderful host, even from the single digit ages. I am not surprised to read here, that he grew into a fine representative...

I met Russell at the Univ. of Texas in 1975. He lived a few doors down the hallway at the Contessa dormitory.

What I remember most about Russell was that he was always smiling and always ready for a good time. He loved to laugh and told great stories. I can't remember him ever saying anything derogatory about anyone.

I only saw Russell a few times after we left college. He came to my bachelor party in 1995 and brought an old photo of me from the dorm. I don't remember the...

Russell you were a genuine leader by example. Southwestern Bell, SBC, and AT&T were lucky to have had you. I truly enjoyed our early morning talks each day before work at Huntland.
You left us way too soon. Guess you were needed more elsewhere.
Your friend
Randy Clawson Austin, Texas

A friend shared this on Facebook and it really touched me. What an amazing man to share his life so honestly and beautifully. Sending much sympathy to his loved ones.

I worked with Russell starting in 1986 when I first arrived in Austin to work for Southwestern Bell. He introduced me to all the great old Austin places like Dirty's, The Dart Bowl, Dot's. The man knew where to find good food!
Russell was always one of my go-to-guys at Bell/AT&T-- the one I called to get his take on the current situation because he was full of thoughtful insight and analysis. He was always up for a rousing discussion/debate, and boy, could he tell good stories! He was...