Grant Russel Parsons November 24, 1946 – August 7, 2026 Grant Russel Parsons, age 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, at his home in Zephyrhills, Florida. Known as a "gentle giant" with a kind soul, a sharp wit, and a big heart, Grant leaves behind a legacy of devotion to his family and his faith. Early Life & Adventurous Youth. Grant was born on November 24, 1946, in Penn Yan, New York, to James Parsons and Dorothy Del La Marter. He grew up in an old farmhouse on the dairy farm where his father worked, spending his childhood surrounded by a large, lively family of 16 siblings. Grant and his sister Dorothy took on the role of watching over the younger children, while Grant and his brother Jimmy assisted their father with farm duties. By the age of 12, Grant was rising at 3:00 AM to herd 200 cows out of the fields for morning milking—a task he often looked back on, remembering how intimidating those pitch-black fields felt to a young boy. While he helped where he could, Grant liked to joke that the cows claimed he had cold hands, so he happily left the actual milking to everyone else. Grant was naturally curious and loved adventure, especially exploring the local woodlands. He had a playful streak as well, often caught secretly reading Louis L’Amour western novels tucked inside his textbooks during class instead of studying. Life, Love, and Faith as a young man, Grant led a bit of a wild lifestyle, though he often admitted he never felt like that was his true self. Everything shifted when he learned about his God, Jehovah, and the Bible’s promise of a paradise earth. Finding comfort, hope, and true purpose, Grant knew he had finally found where he belonged.Grant was remarkably skilled with his hands, capable of fixing or building almost anything. His knowledge of carpentry, electrical work, and general building maintenance served him and others well throughout his life.His life’s greatest romance began in an orange grove in Lehigh Acres, Florida, where he met Kay. Grant loved to joke with friends and family that he "picked oranges and Kay at the same time." The two were married in Naples, Florida, in August 1986. Together, Grant and Kay spent 30 happy years serving Jehovah side-by-side as true partners and best friends.Family & LegacyGrant’s deep love for his family was evident to all who knew him. He is survived by:His Wife & Best Friend: Kay ParsonsHis Children: Grant Parsons, Jr. and Debra WheatonHis Grandchildren: Rachel, Nathan, Matthew, and AbigailHis Great-Grandchildren: Holly and VincentHis Siblings: His many beloved brothers and sisters, alongside extended family and cherished spiritual brothers and sisters."He lived with a gentle spirit, served faithfully, and filled the lives of those around him with warmth, laughter, and love."