Gospel Legend Squire Parsons Passes Away at 77

ASHEVILLE, NC ( WOWK — Renowned Gospel music artist from the South Squire Parsons , renowned for authoring the beloved "Sweet Beulah Land," has passed away, according to close acquaintances. He was 77 years old.

Parsons was born in West Virginia and upon earning his BS in music from the West Virginia Institute of Technology, he took up the position of band director at Hannan Junior Senior High School. There, he composed various pieces. “Sweet Beulah Land.”

A person whose asylum case is still pending was deported. His legal representatives want to find out if there are additional cases like this.

Dr. John R. Carlisle, who serves as the headmaster of Hannan High School, revealed during an exclusive talk with 13 News that he has been conversing with Parsons via telephone in recent weeks. This communication is due to Parsons being recognized alongside other distinguished former students at an upcoming event on the school’s grounds.

“I called him, and he sent me the manuscript for ‘Sweet Beulah Land’ that he wrote on his way to work at the high school,” said Carlisle. “He finished the first part of the song after he got to work. He told me he was driving into work and looked up at the sun, and it made him think of an old gospel hymn his dad used to sing, and that caused him to write ‘Sweet Beulah Land.'”

Carlisle mentioned that he had messaged Parsons not long ago but didn't receive a response, and later learned of the unfortunate news that Parsons had passed away.

I had extended an invitation for him to join us during our Christmas festivities with hopes that he would perform 'Sweet Beulah Land' for us," Carlisle mentioned. "However, we will now turn this into a tribute to Squire Parsons.

Carlisle mentioned that a plaque featuring his sheet music along with a signed photograph will be placed on the wall at the school in honor of Parsons.

'Sweet Beulah Land' is truly an inspirational and lovely tune," Carlisle stated. "He has played a significant role in Hannan's history, and we aim to pay tribute to his legacy.

Robin Richardson, residing in Fraziers Bottom nowadays, was part of the band led by Parsons when studying with Hannan. She mentioned that both she and her fellow bandmates held great affection for him.

He was truly unique," Richardson said to 13 News. "He was a virtuous, Christian gentleman who inspired everyone around him. In fact, he composed many of his songs in our band’s practice space.

If pennies stop being produced, would you be able to redeem your coins?

Richardson’s fellow band member, Kathy Coleman-Tate, informed 13 News that they maintained communication with Parsons, and as recently as two days prior, he had shown appreciation for a photograph of her mother that she posted on Facebook for Mother’s Day.

He began his tenure at Hannan as the band director in 1970 and mentioned he intended to remain for just one year; however, he ended up staying until 1975 when I graduated," Coleman-Tate stated. "He remained there until circumstances led him to pursue other opportunities.

Coleman-Tate mentioned that Parsons resided close to her in North Carolina, where she encountered him once locally and another time in the neighboring town of Huntington.

I felt incredibly proud. I used to share with everyone that he was my band director, and people were amazed because of how talented a singer he was," Coleman-Tate stated. "Everyone really enjoyed his company as well. It seemed unbelievable to them that he held that position. He truly was an outstanding individual—very kind to all.

Coleman-Tate mentioned that she saw on Facebook during the early morning hours that Parsons had passed away.

"She mentioned, 'That song will always be loved by me,'" she expressed.

Parsons created numerous renowned gospel tunes such as "The Master of the Sea," "Walk On," "He Came To Me," "It’s My Home Now," "I Sing for Joy," and "I Won’t Surrender."

Parsons received his ordination as a minister at Trinity Baptist Church located in Asheville, North Carolina.

John Roberts, who serves as the executive director of Mountain Mission in Charleston, mentioned that Parsons performed annually at the organization’s yearly Christmas fundraiser.

Former housekeepers have alleged that Smokey Robinson sexually assaulted and raped them.

We were fortunate enough to have Squire Parsons perform annually for 40 years," Roberts stated. "This occasion assisted in providing food for almost 1,000 families each Christmas, and he would entertain us with his singing; occasionally, his brothers would also take the stage alongside him.

Roberts mentioned that he retains pleasant recollections of Parsons, describing him as "the gentle giant."

He stood around 6 feet 6 inches tall, yet he was the kindest soul," Roberts mentioned. "Every year, he used to perform 'Sweet Beulah Land,' which was his trademark song, though he would modify it slightly for Christmastime.

Roberts mentioned that after Hurricane Helene and the significant flooding that occurred last year, Mountain Mission dispatched a tractor-trailer filled with flood relief materials to Parsons' church.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This content must not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

To stay updated with the newest information, forecasts, athletics, and live videos, visit KAMR - MyHighPlains.com.