Bill Parton

William C. “Bill” Parton passed away on November 28, 2017 following a period of declining health.  He was born March 1, 1930 in Rutherford County to the late Margaret and Carvos.  Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Parton, and brothers Jim, and sisters Sara Dale, Barbara Evans, and Louise Walsh.

Surviving are a son, Billy Parton; his beloved granddaughter Jade Larkey and her husband, Chase; sister Jo Burnette; a number of nieces and nephews; and his canine companion B.J.

He married the love of his life Betty King Parton in 1953 and they remained happily married until her death in 2008.

Bill served in the US Army during the Korean War in which he received several distinguished medals, including the Bronze Star.

He received a B.S. in Agricultural Education from NC State University where he also did graduate work in economics and remained a very loyal alumnus.  He moved to Morganton many years ago to work as an extension agent for the NC Cooperative Extension and worked for livestock producers and the organization of the Burke County Cattlemen’s Association.  He later went to work at Drexel Heritage and retired from there after 30 years as Vice President of Human Resources.  A co-worker once said that Bill put the word “Human” in Human Resources.

He was heavily involved in the operation of Billy Parton’s Training Center where they breed and train quarter horses.  In 2015 Bill was inducted in to the Western NC Agricultural Hall of Fame.  He has served as President of the NC Quarter Horse Association several times and served on the Burke County Extension Advisory Council, Burke County Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and NC 4-H Development Board.

In addition he served on the board of Members Credit Union for many years, Western Piedmont Community College, and the Burke County Fair.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Floyd Perry officiating.  Burial will follow in Gilkey Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.