Sandy Gene Parson "Papaw", age 79 of Dalton, Georgia, went to be with Jesus on October 2, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family. Sandy was born on September 26, 1946, in Banks County, Georgia to the late Otis and Mildred Parson. Sandy joined and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1968 and was stationed at Fort Tilden, Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. He married his childhood sweetheart, Sherry Smith, September 24, 1966, they lived in Dalton where they raised three children. They became neighbors when he was twelve and she was ten and they both remember exactly the first time they saw each other. Sandy was an employee at GTE-Alltel-Windstream from 1972-2013. During his 41 years there he had several work friends that he thought a lot of. He was a hardworking man. He loved spending time with his family and thought the world of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed working outside in the yard, mowing the grass, tinkering with the lawn mower, watching old western movies on YouTube and drinking an ice-cold Coca Cola. He liked eating at Golden Corral and shopping at Costco (he called it Tosco). He made sure to buy plenty of water, toilet paper, paper towels, and garbage bags. A man of many talents, he could fix anything, might not have been the right way but he would make it work. He had an amazing sense of humor that we will always remember. He and Sherry attended Salem Baptist Church where they made many friends. Sandy is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sherry Parson; daughter, Julie (Danny) Roach; sons, Steve (Sabrina) Parson, Chris Parson; grandchildren, Stephanie (Brandon) Hall, Andrew Whyte, Conner Parson, Devon Parson, Tucker (Rachel) Roach, Haley (Aaron) Jones; great grandchildren, Chloe Hall, Harley Hall, Sylas and Waylon Jones, Caroline and Gunner Roach; sister, Peggi (Michael) Johns; sister-in-law, Diane (John) Stuman; brother-in-law, Jimmy Smith; sister-in-law, Kim (Joel) Theis; sister-in-law, Brenda Sanford; brother-in-law, Richard (Paula) Saunders; many nieces and nephews also survive. He is preceded by his parents, Otis and Mildred Parson; brother, Wilson "Buddy" Parson; grandparents, Lon and Reecie Parson; Elmer and Carrie Lou Manley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Elsie Smith; brother-in-law, Neil Smith. "This world will change from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you shall never pass away" Visitation will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The funeral service for Mr. Parson will start at 3:00 pm. With Mr. Dana Pinson and Mr. Jim Brinkley officiating. Interment is to follow at United Memorial Gardens with full Military Honors.