Deacon Emeritus Prentis O'Neil Percell

MSgt (Ret.) Prentis O'Neil Percell was born on November 16, 1944, in Caw-Caw, South Carolina, the youngest of eight children born to the late Simon Henry Percell Sr. and Amelia Fields. He lived a life marked by service, compassion, and unwavering faith. On Sunday, November 9, 2025, he transitioned peacefully at Prisma Health Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.
A proud graduate of Benedict College, Prentis served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and continued his military career with the Air National Guard, retiring as Master Sergeant. His dedication to service extended into his civilian life as a social worker, where he tirelessly advocated for families-providing food, support, and fighting for justice in courtrooms to reunite parents with their children.
As a devoted member of Brookland Baptist Church, Deacon Percell was a pillar of leadership and love. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, trip planner for senior citizens, and organizer of Vacation Bible School picnics and church barbecues. His creativity helped modernize worship services, introducing photo and video presentations that enriched the congregation's experience. He welcomed new members and deacons with warmth and guidance, always seeking ways to uplift others.
Prentis was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a steady presence to all who knew him. His calm demeanor and generous spirit touched the lives of family, friends, and strangers alike. He was known as a dependable man whose quiet strength changed lives in ways too numerous to count.
His backyard barbecues were legendary-grilling chicken, pork, clams, and more with unmatched skill and love. He took pride in his grill, cleaning it to a gleaming finish after every feast, then resting with a well-earned nap. His fried turkeys were a Thanksgiving tradition, and his seafood bog remains a cherished memory that no one has quite been able to replicate.
Beyond the grill, Prentis was a photographer, speaker, spiritual advisor, and confidant. He was a passionate fan of the Boston Celtics and enjoyed basketball, baseball, and football. He was always just a phone call away-ready to help, day or night, with no hesitation. That was his calling, and his joy.
Above all, he loved his wife, Margaret Heller Percell, with all his heart. Even after her passing in 2015, her memory remained the center of his life. She was his first and last love, and now they are reunited.
Deacon Percell was the last surviving sibling of his family. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Curtis, Jess Marion, Wilhelmina (Theodore Golston), Clyde Edward, Simon Jr. (Dinah), Robert Lee (Maria), and Frances; and his in-laws Carrie Nelle Heller, Alfred "Nen" (Elaine) Heller, Booker T. Mitchell Sr., Elease Heller, and Bonita Heller Lee.
He leaves behind his children, Darryl Turner, Michael C. (Adrian) Percell, Sheryl Jefferson, and Jermaine (Simone) Percell; grandchildren, Rosalyn Magby, Christopher Moultrie, and Krystal Marshall; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Tucker, Malachi Thompson, Elijah Thompson, Tiffany Moultrie, D'Asia Marshall, and Legend Marshall; great-great-grandchild, Mahlani Thompson; as well as in-laws, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Take your rest, Deacon Percell, in the arms of your beloved Margaret. Say hello to "Granny" for us. Your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild love you deeply and miss you dearly.
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