Lee Ross Parsons

Dallas, Tx – Lee Ross Parsons died peacefully in his home on September 13, 2019, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 68. He is survived by his daughter Michelle Parsons, his step-son Edward Griswold, and lifelong friend, Barbara Garrett. 

He was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 27, 1951 to Robert and Jeanne Parsons and was an absolute handful since day one. A truly unique individual, Lee marched to the beat of his own drum. He was unconventional, kind, generous, curious, well-read, stubborn, guarded, intelligent, devoted, enigmatic, and funny. Even as a teen and well into adulthood, he had a way about him that drew people in.

Lee lived a full life that was at times joyful, harrowing, wild, and quiet. He grew up in three out of the four corners of America with his family — first Michigan and Illinois, then on to northern California, and finally to Texas, where he settled and lived for more than 40 years. He married Barbara Garrett in 1976, and had their daughter Michelle in 1984. After their divorce in 1992, he never remarried but gained a life partner in Karen “KC” Lebel. They stayed close until her passing in 2016.

He had many passions — golf, accounting (of all things), Stevie Ray Vaughn, sushi, poker, Buddhism, and studying the cosmos — and befriended like-minded people along the way.

Through the ‘90s, Lee owned a jewelry, metaphysical books, and gem store called Overtones, then became a building construction estimator for several years later in life, which he enjoyed.

One of his lasting legacies were his care and loyalty to his children. As a step-father to a troubled 11-year-old, Lee gave direction and purpose, coaching Eddie through life’s tough choices as well as sports. The golf course was their sanctuary, a place where Lee imparted honest, level-headed advice on life and the green.

He was also the best father a daughter could’ve ever asked for. He taught her how to tie her shoes, attended every soccer game, took her to an N’SYNC concert when she was 16 (and stood in the back), showed her George Carlin stand-up, introduced her to blues and jazz music, taught her how to make spaghetti, and talked endlessly about the richness of the world and the meaning of life. He was her rock, and there for her always.

Lee fought hard but ultimately lost his 4-year battle with colon cancer. Special thank you to his oncologist Dr. Wendy Mahone-Johnson and her extended staff, as well as his hospice care staff for their unending support and care.  

A Celebration of Life service was held with close family and friends in October, 2019. If you’d like to contact the family, please email Michelle at mparsons1984@gmail.com.