James Clayton Parsley, age 89, of Smithville passed away Wednesday morning at NHC HealthCare in Smithville. 

Clayton was a member of the Banks Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he worked at Ford for 35 years, farmer and served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years. 

He was born March 19, 1933 to his parents, the late Alvie Vester and Jocie Evelyn Tittsworth Parsley.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Parsley and sister, Nina Johnson Rhody. 

He is survived by four sons, Donnie Parsley of Nashville, Ted Parsley of McMinnville, Ricky Parsley of Nashville and David Scott Parsley of Nashville; step-son, Jason Parsley of Panama City, FL; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Vester Parsley of Smithville; four sisters, Reba Patton of McMinnville, Jerrie Paone of GA, Judy Mundt of Texas, Penny Bolton of Murfreesboro and several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service was held Wednesday December 28, 2022 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Military Honors conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard. 

Pallbearers included Michael Parsley, Nathan Parsley, Brandon Parsley, Jason Parsley, Ricky Parsley and Mike Cross.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, is charge of arrangements.