Grason Parton

Candler Grason Roby Parton, 95, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2014 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center after a brief illness. Born in Bryson City, October 22, 1918, he was one of 14 children born to the late Manuel and Sarah Freeman Parton. In 1945, he and his first wife moved to Asheville where he obtained employment with Dave Steel Company from which he retired after 40 years. He was a member of Pole Creek Baptist Church and a former member of the Asheville Moose Lodge. Until he was 91, he was able to do some of the things he loved most, his own yard work and growing a huge garden. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by 11 siblings; his first wife and mother of his children, Bernice King Parton; son, Neil Parton; an infant son, Lee Roy Parton and second wife, Thelma Harris Parton to whom he was married for 37 years. Grason is survived by his daughter, Grady Aileen Brinkley and daughter-in-law, Margaret Lewis both of Asheville; sister, Beuna Winchester of Bryson City; brother, Frank (Irene) of Sabastion, FL; step-children, Chuck Harris (Patsy), Judy Baldwin (Perry) and Jane Harris (Gene Griffin) all of Candler; 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce Cayton officiating. Burial will follow in Thomas Memorial in Qualla. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 PM Sunday at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Hominy Valley Retirement Center for the wonderful care they gave Grason for the last 4 years a special thank you to Maria. Also, they would like to thank the compassionate staff at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center for their care for the past 2 weeks. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, 21 Belvedere Road, Asheville, N.C. 28803.