He was born in Ripley, Virginia., Parsons attended University of Southern California, University of Chicago before receiving his an Bachelor of Arts (Artium Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor) at Columbia University and held a doctorate from Yale.
Doctor Parsons, a premier authority on Scottish literature and culture, joined the City College faculty in 1937 and began teaching there full-time in 1947. Doctor Parsons was known as an excellent and challenging professor who participated heavily in intellectual and public life outside of the classroom. He was an active member and leader in the Andiron Club, an exclusive cultural and fraternal organization in New York City.
Doctor Parson was also an active Freemason.
In June 1991 Doctor Parsons died at his home in Manhattan following complications while recovering from a stroke. Numerous scholarships and awards are named in his honor.
His papers are held at Columbia University to benefit researchers.
