Clifford “Cliff” William Parsons of Delmar passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional in Salisbury surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Laurel to his parents, Leelon Joseph Parsons and Edna Brasure Parsons.
He held a special place in his heart for his hometown, graduating from Laurel High School in 1961. After graduating he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1965. He was a member of Laurel Fire Dept. for two years prior to moving to Delmar and joining the Delmar Fire Dept. With 42 years of service, he is now a life member having served as Captain, Lieutenant, 3rd Assistant Chief, Assistant Chaplain, Assistant Treasurer and Chairman of Financial Committee. He also was past president for Laurel and Delmar Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout his life, Cliff held various positions with Sussex Trust including branch manager, culminating in his role as Regional Loan Officer before the merger with Wilmington Trust. He was a proud 1973 graduate of Del Tech and earned basic, standard and advanced certificates from the American Institute of Banking. He also completed the Graduate School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia in 1986 and Central Atlantic School of Commercial Lending at Bucknell University in 1999. He also served as past president of AIB for Sussex County Chapter.
Cliff retired in 2005 from Wilmington Trust as VP Regional Commercial Regional Loan Officer.
Cliff was a true adventurer at heart, finding joy in traversing the country and making unforgettable memories. His passion for fishing was unrivaled, with many hours spent fishing at Hatteras as a devoted member of the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club and the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association. He also had a lifelong affection for skiing, being a part of the Salisbury Ski Club for four decades and relishing the thrill of the slopes. Cliff embarked on two cross-country skiing road trips and explored ski resorts in the U.S., Austria, and Canada. He had a passion for woodworking and enjoyed creating unique pieces. He was also a past member of the Corvette Club and found camaraderie with other Corvette lovers while having owned two Corvettes of his own.
Cliff found solace and purpose in his faith as an active member of the First Baptist Church in Delmar. He dedicated his time to serving the church community, whether teaching Sunday School, participating as a trustee, or contributing his financial expertise to the betterment of the congregation. He was a former member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Terri M. Parsons; his step-daughter who was like a daughter to him, Heather Ammons and her husband Marty; grandchildren, Brittany, Hunter (Lilly), Brianna, Johnathan, and Matthew; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Nicholas, Tucker, Mon’Roe, and twins due in October, Case and Oakley; sister-in-law, Shirley Parsons; sister-and brother-in-law, Sheree and Jay Hammerer; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Parsons.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar. A visitation for family and friends was held. Interment with fire department and military honors was held at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron following the service.
In memory of Cliff, contributions may be sent to the Delmar Fire Department, P.O. Box 143, Delmar, DE 19940 or to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 200, Delmar, DE 19940.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar.