David Parsons

David George Parsons, Jr. passed away on May 6 at the age of 74, remembered for a life grounded in compassion, intellect, and a contrarian spirit.

Born April 1, 1951 in San Angelo, Texas to David and Chelma Holt Parsons, David soon moved to Texarkana, Texas, where he enjoyed an idyllic boyhood of bike rides, BB guns, and fort-building in the East Texas woods with a close-knit gang of neighborhood boys. The Parsons were active members of Central Christian Church, and it was there that David formed lifelong friendships through youth group and summer church camp.

In the late 1960s, during the early days of school desegregation, David launched a student-led tutoring program for Black children while in high school. His first volunteers were his church friends, and the effort soon grew to include a summer camp session, Camp Friendship, in Athens, Texas. David rallied local businesses and church families for donations, even turning his home into a makeshift supply store run by his mother to outfit campers.

A highlight of his youth was attending the Youth United Nations in New York City-where he famously wrote to his parents, "I have conquered the city!" Throughout his life, David never passed up a hyperbole!

After graduating from high school in 1969, David attended Tulane University before transferring to Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he earned a degree in Philosophy in 1973. There, with the support of the campus minister, he started another student-led tutoring program for underprivileged children and a Saturday rec program for youth at the Gainesville Juvenile Detention Center-efforts that reflected a lifelong commitment to community service.

It was at Austin College that David met Debbie Dodson during transfer orientation. After a period of "dancing around each other," they began dating later that fall. Their main dating activity during college years were late night walks in the surrounding neighborhoods enjoying spirited conversations about all matters of import interspersed with a lot of kissing! They married in 1977, with spirited conversation and debate remaining the hallmark of their marriage.

David earned a Master's in Philosophy from Southern Illinois University and later an MBA in Finance from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin-degrees that he applied throughout his multifaceted career.

He spent 18 years as an Analyst and Portfolio Manager at USAA Investment Management Company in San Antonio. There he established strong friendships and was forever grateful to the late Harry Miller who hired and mentored him throughout the ups and downs of the life of an investor trying to outwit the market. David's "two minutes of fame" occurred when he was flown out to NYC by CNBC for a TV interview on his successful contrarian investing strategy.



His commitment to service continued - he was a dedicated volunteer with the SAMM Shelter, leading overnight teams from work and several local Presbyterian churches.

After leaving investment management, David embraced a new calling as a Philosophy instructor at Northwest Vista and San Antonio College, later adding Business subjects to his course load at Northern Virginia Community College when the family moved to Virginia. Beloved by students, David offered extra tutoring and support, always cheering on the underdog.

During their 13 years in Virginia, David discovered new joys-hiking the Appalachian Trail, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, and playing bridge with a vivacious circle of church ladies. Reading-especially immersing himself in one historical topic at a time-remained his lifelong favorite pastime.

David's greatest devotion was to his family, and he saw his most important role as protecting, providing for, and guiding his beloved daughters, Molly and Libby.

In 2019, David was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinson's, and he and Debbie returned to San Antonio for retirement. Thanks to the support of family, friends, and the devoted care of Martin Robert, David's wish to remain at home until the end was fulfilled.

He is preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Patricia. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughters Molly and Libby; future son-in-law Thomas Filardo; brother Holt (Teensy) Parsons; sisters-in-law Donna Dodson and Marian Lokey; and four nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service: May 16, 2025, 2:00 p.m., University Presbyterian Church, San Antonio and will be livestreamed at youtube.com/@UniversityPresbyterianChurchSA

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to SAMM Shelter at samm.org or John Knox Ranch at johnknoxranch.org, the Presbyterian camp that helped shape his daughters to be the compassionate, spiritual adults they are.