It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the Southern Gospel music community mourns 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. His profound influence on the genre and his legacy of uplifting millions of listeners will endure for generations to come.
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, where he taught young Squire to sing using shaped notes. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for Squire’s lifelong passion for gospel music. Growing up surrounded by the sacred sounds of hymns and gospel songs, he quickly became captivated by the power of music and its ability to touch hearts and uplift spirits. It was clear from an early age that Squire was destined to become one of the genre’s most cherished and influential artists.
Parsons attended the West Virginia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music in 1970. During his time at the institute, he honed his musical talents and developed a deep understanding of music theory. His education equipped him with the skills that would later allow him to compose, arrange, and perform gospel music that would resonate with audiences for decades. After graduation, Squire Parsons accepted a teaching position at Hannan High School in Mason County, West Virginia, where he would also serve as the music director for various local churches. It was during this period that he wrote one of his most famous and beloved songs, “Sweet Beulah Land.”
Released in 1979, “Sweet Beulah Land” became Squire Parsons’ signature song, capturing the hearts of gospel music lovers across the nation. The song’s poignant lyrics and heartfelt melody are a reflection of Parsons’ ability to connect deeply with his audience. The song speaks to the longing for Heaven, painting a vivid picture of the “land beyond the skies” and the eternal rest that awaits believers. “Sweet Beulah Land” became an anthem of hope for many, and it remains one of the most widely recorded and performed songs in Southern Gospel music.
In 1975, Parsons joined The Kingsmen Quartet as a baritone and toured with them for four years. His rich baritone voice became a staple of the group’s sound, and his time with The Kingsmen helped establish him as a respected figure in the Southern Gospel community. However, in 1979, he made the decision to embark on a solo career, and he quickly established himself as a solo artist whose music inspired and uplifted listeners around the world.
Parsons was not only a talented musician but also a deeply spiritual man. In 1979, he was ordained as a minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina. His ministry and his music went hand in hand, as his songs often conveyed messages of faith, hope, and redemption. Over the course of his career, Squire wrote more than 600 gospel songs, many of which have become staples in the Southern Gospel music repertoire. Among his most well-known songs are “The Master of the Sea,” “Walk On,” “He Came to Me,” “I Call It Home,” “I Sing Because,” “I’m Not Giving Up,” and, of course, “Sweet Beulah Land.”
Parsons’ songs have been recorded by numerous renowned artists in the gospel music world, 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, to name just a few. His ability to write songs that resonate with both the spiritual and emotional journeys of his listeners helped solidify his place as one of the genre’s greatest songwriters.
Throughout his career, Squire Parsons received numerous accolades for his contributions to Southern Gospel music. He was honored with the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Male Singer in 1988, as well as Favorite Songwriter in 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995. Additionally, “Sweet Beulah Land” won the prestigious Singing News Fan Award for Song of the Year in 1981. These recognitions are a testament to Parsons’ enduring impact on the genre and the profound effect his music had on listeners. In 1999, Parsons received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, West Virginia Institute of Technology, in recognition of his contributions to music and his legacy within the Southern Gospel community.
Despite his success and the adoration of his fans, Squire remained humble and dedicated to his faith and family. His quiet, steady influence extended far beyond the stage and the recording studio. He lived his life with integrity and used his platform to share the message of hope that he held so dear. His legacy is not only defined by his music but also by his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, his family, and his community. He was a man of deep conviction who used his talents to inspire and uplift others, and he will be remembered for his genuine kindness, generosity, and compassion.
In April 2019, Squire Parsons announced his retirement from touring due to declining health following a “life-saving surgery.” Though his retirement marked the end of his active performance career, his influence continued to be felt throughout the gospel music community. Even after stepping away from the stage, his music remained a central part of the genre, and his songs continued to inspire new generations of gospel music lovers.
Squire Parsons is survived by his wife, Linda, and their four adult children. His contributions to gospel music will never be forgotten, and his songs will continue to resonate with audiences for many years to come. The Southern Gospel community has lost one of its greatest treasures, but his legacy will live on in the timeless music he created and the lives he touched. Parsons’ music, filled with messages of faith, hope, and love, will remain an eternal testament to his legacy as a musician, songwriter, and servant of God.
As friends, family, and fans mourn the loss of this gospel music legend, they also celebrate the life of a man whose music transcended boundaries and touched hearts across the world. Squire Parsons may be gone, but his spirit will live on through his songs, which continue to bring comfort and hope to those who listen. Rest in peace, Squire Parsons—your music, your legacy, and your kindness will never be forgotten.
