Michael Larry Parsons, Sr.

Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Michael Larry Parsons, Sr. passed away on August 2, 2024 at the age of 79.

Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara, and his children, Michael Parsons, Jr. and Shannon Parsons Dycus; his grandchildren: Jakob, Zoey, Mason, and Zander. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Oletha Spurr; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Betty and Bruce Drummond, Bill and Margie Athayde, and Bob and Julie Athayde: his cousins: Opal Quintero and Mary Schulley, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents: Theodore Perry, and Margaret and George Parsons; and his brothers: Ted, James, Bill, and Gene Dee; his beloved Aunt Jane and Uncle Cecil Arnold; and his nephew, Dennis Freeman.

Mike was born on April 9, 1945 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1955, he moved to San Leandro, CA with his mother and step-father. He attended Bancroft Middle School and attended San Lorenzo High School where he met his lifelong friends: Larry, Gary, Reggie, and Steve, all of whom shared Mike's passion for cars.

When Mike graduated from San Lorenzo High School in 1963, he went on to study automotive repair at Chabot Community College. He first worked for the Oakland Army Bases during the Vietnam War and later became a very proud member of the Teamsters Local 70 Union. He worked in several auto dealerships and auto repair shops; he worked for Firestone Tires and AAA. Upon retirement, he continued to work part-time with Lincoln Training Center and with B.E.S.T. Opportunities transporting adults with disabilities to their jobs. Mike was always admired and respected for his strong work ethic and dedication.

This beloved "car guy" would meet the love of his life in 1974 during the height of the gas wars at the Don Golf Mobile gas station in Oakland. Barbara and Mike were married a year later on June 15, 1975, and settled in San Leandro, CA. They welcomed their first child, Michael Jr., in 1976 and their daughter, Shannon arrived in 1981. Mike was actively involved with his children and their schools. He happily volunteered to be on the clean-up crew for many events at St. Felicitas School and he volunteered many hours with Arroyo High School's marching band.

Mike was devoted to his family and he worked hard to ensure that they had everything that they needed.

Mike will be remembered as a quiet, kind-hearted, good-humored, generous, helpful, and hard-working man. He loved reading and music. He was proud of his large collection of books and his 8 track tapes. He enjoyed sharing puns and telling "dad" jokes. He especially enjoyed rooting for his favorite three teams: the Oklahoma Sooners, the Oakland Raiders and the Oakland A's. Most importantly, Mike will be remembered by his wife, children, and grandchildren who never had to question whether he loved them or was proud of them because he made that so obvious.

Mike's family and friends gathered to celebrate Mike's life at the end of October. Family and friends are invited to donate to the TMCC Automotive Technician Scholarship Fund in place of flowers. Memorial contributions may be directed to the TMCC Foundation at 7000 Dandini Blvd., RDMTN 200, Reno, NV 89521.