Squire Enos Parsons Jr. (April 4, 1948 – May 5, 2025): Southern Gospel Music Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Singer-Songwriter
The Southern Gospel music community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved voices and prolific songwriters, Squire Enos Parsons Jr., who passed away on May 5, 2025, at the age of 77. Known for his deep spiritual conviction, soul-stirring lyrics, and unmistakable baritone voice, Mr. Parsons left an indelible mark on gospel music through decades of ministry and music.
Born on April 4, 1948, in Newton, West Virginia, Squire Parsons was introduced to gospel music at a young age by his parents. His father, Squire Parsons Sr., was a choir director and deacon at Newton Baptist Church, and he taught Squire to sing using shaped notes . This early exposure to music laid the foundation for Squire’s lifelong passion for gospel music.
Parsons attended West Virginia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music in 1970. After graduation, he accepted a teaching position at Hannan High School in Mason County, West Virginia, and served as music director of various churches. During this period, he wrote “Sweet Beulah Land,” his signature song .
In 1975, Parsons joined The Kingsmen Quartet as a baritone and toured with them for four years before embarking on a solo career in 1979. He was ordained as a minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1979 . Over the years, he wrote more than 600 gospel songs, including “The Master of the Sea,” “Walk On,” “He Came to Me,” “I Call it Home,” “I Sing Because,” “I’m Not Giving Up,” and “Sweet Beulah Land” .
Parsons’ songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Brian Free, Gaither Vocal Band, Gold City, Ivan Parker, Kingdom Heirs, the Blackwood Brothers, The Cathedrals, The Florida Boys, The Greenes, The Hoppers, The Kingsmen, The McKameys, Statesmen, Marty Raybon, Casting Crowns, and The Sugar Creek Quartet .
Throughout his career, Parsons received numerous accolades, including the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Male Singer in 1988, Favorite Songwriter in 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995, and Favorite Baritone in 1986 and 1987. “Sweet Beulah Land” won the Singing News Fan Award for Song of the Year in 1981 . In 1999, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, West Virginia Institute of Technology .
In April 2019, Parsons announced his retirement from touring due to declining health after “life-saving surgery” . Despite his retirement, his legacy continues to inspire and uplift the Southern Gospel community.
Squire Parsons is survived by his wife, Linda, and their four adult children. His contributions to gospel music will not be forgotten, and his songs will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
