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James Parnell Obituary
James Leonard Parnell, age 73, of Hillsville, VA went to his heavenly home on Monday, May 3, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
James was born on September 25, 1947 to the late Cloyd and Pauline Parnell in Shorts Creek, VA. He graduated from Hillsville High School in 1966 and was in the Army Reserves from 1967 to 1973. James married the love of his life, Wanda, on August 15, 1970 and was blessed with a son, Michael Parnell and his wife, Bridget, daughter, Marsha Lawson and her husband, Allen, loving grandchildren, Skyler Lawson and wife, Rachel and Cassidy Lawson; and great-grandbaby, Amzie Lawson, all who were the joy of his life. Also surviving are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jewel and Chuck Hoover and Becky and Bill Meredith; brothers and sisters-in-law, Buster and Betty Parnell, Roger and Nancy Parnell, Junior and Lowetta Parnell, Gary and Elma Parnell, Ricky Parnell and Gaylene Holdaway, and Charlie and Mary Ann Parnell and several nieces and nephews.
He was a Past Master and devoted member of the Hillsville Masonic Lodge No. 193 for 50 years. James was also a member of the Grayson Carroll Shrine Club and Kazim Hillbillies for over 40 years.
He followed in his father's footsteps at a young age with a lime and fertilize trucking business, eventually starting his own business with his son. He has served the farmers of Virginia and North Carolina for nearly 60 years, making many friends.
He and his wife were Sunday School teachers at Hillsville First United Methodist Church for 23 years and currently attending Pleasant View Church with their family.
James was a loving father and grandfather and supported each of his family members' ventures and was very active with his family.
A graveside service with burial following will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Parnell Cemetery at 5:00 PM with Pastors Ricky Alexander and David Bays officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery from 3:00 until 5:00 PM prior to the graveside service. Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Hillsville Masonic Lodge #193 AF & AM. A guestbook is available online by visiting www.vaughanguynnandmcgrady.com. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Parnell
Sponsored by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville.
ray jennings
May 25, 2021
brother james.thank you.3rd base was hot.r i p .
Denny Horton
May 9, 2021
Sorry for your loss
Gary Quesinberry
May 8, 2021
Parnell family. So sorry to here about James. He was a good man.
Ronnie Williams
May 8, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss
Ricky and Cindy Robinson
May 7, 2021
James was such a good and kind friend. Always smiling. Wanda and
family, we are so sorry for your loss. My parents thought so much
of him. He and Wanda were two of the most nicest people that we will ever meet. We've lost another
wonderful, ole hillbilly!
Jane Dalton
May 7, 2021
Sending deepest sympathy to all the family and friends. My parents thought so highly of James
Mark Huff
May 7, 2021
James was a great man he will be missed
Barbara Harmon and Steve and Krista Burnette and family
May 7, 2021
Our hearts go out to you. Know that we are there for you as neighbors and friends. God will get you through one day at a time. We will keep you all in our prayers.
wayne stone
May 7, 2021
we were friends from childhood, we used to spend a lot of time together, he will be missed, prayers for the family with thier loss.
Craig & Mandy Beasley
May 7, 2021
We are so sorry we couldn't be with the Parnell family during this time. James was a good friend, a great neighbor, and an all-around gentleman. He will be greatly missed. Please know that the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Micheal & Sharon Coulson
May 7, 2021
James was one of the nicest people we were privileged to know. He will be missed. Prayers for you and your family Wanda.
GARNETT G COLTRANE Jr
May 7, 2021
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JAMES AND MAY GOD COMFORT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME
WENDY Alexander
May 7, 2021
James was such a wonderful neighbor and friend... never did I pass by his house that he did not give me a smile and a wave. Wanda I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family. Fly high neighbor, you will be missed on Beasley Hill .
Sherry Combs
May 7, 2021
May God bless and comfort you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sending much love and prayers for you all.
Terri Jeffries
May 7, 2021
I send my deepest condolences to Wanda and the family I am so sorry for your loss May God comfort you at this time and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elroy &Velma Williams
May 7, 2021
Wanda and Family, So sorry to hear about James's passing. We will be praying for you and all the family. May God Bless you and see you through this difficult time.
Collene Gallimore-Webb
May 6, 2021
Shorts Creek lost a good man with James' demise. My thoughts and prayers are with the Parnell family during this most difficult time. Also, my mother sends her condolences and love.
James Reynolds Jr
May 6, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 6, 2021
I grew up on Beasley hill with this wonderful man and his amazing family as neighbors. Wanda, Micheal, and Marsha my heart goes to you. Many blessings and prayers for ALL the Parnell family.
Annette Davis
May 6, 2021
Lanford and I are so sorry prayers
Jack Quesenberry
May 6, 2021
Michael, so sorry to hear about the lose of your dad. We have lost a great Mason. Keep up the good work for him.
Rudolph and Nancy Russell
May 6, 2021
Wanda and family,words cannot express how much we will miss James. We have such fond memories of him and we cannot think of a kinder person than James. All of you will be in our prayers .
Elmo & Brenda Spencer
May 6, 2021
So sorry for your loss.
Roger & Diane Hall
May 5, 2021
Wanda & family, so sorry for your loss.
Margaret Caviness
May 5, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. We had some wouldful times growing up ,you will be truly missed. Prayers to all your family. Margaret
Joyce Burnette
May 5, 2021
So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for the family
jeweldene hoover
May 5, 2021
My brother will live in our memories forever. This has been such a shock for us. Your big sister, Jewel and Chuck
Mark Shockley
May 5, 2021
Very sorry to hear about James he was a great guy.Heaven has gained another angel he was always nice and had a smile on his face and loved his family may God be with each of you at this time of sorrow.
Homer and Phyllis Frazier
May 5, 2021
So sorry to hear about James Leonard. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers
Marie S. Horton
May 5, 2021
Wanda and Family, so sorry to hear about James. Our prayers are with you all. May God bless.
Buck and Becky Isom
May 5, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. James was a good man. Prayers for his family.
IRENE & Ray Bolen
May 5, 2021
Wanda and family,so sorry for your loss.You all are in our prayers.Please let us know if we can do anything for you all.God Bless you all.
Vaneta Willard
May 5, 2021
Prayers for the Parnell family
Jim and Erma Montgomery
May 5, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Bernie and Teresa
May 5, 2021
Sorry for your lost praying for your family
Linda Gibson
May 5, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ashley Black
May 5, 2021
I know he was a wonderful soul! The Parnell family is one of the most loving and giving families I have met! I know he will be truly missed and was loved more than I thought was possible! My prayers are with you during this time.
Audrey Newman
May 5, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Will keep the family in our prayers. Joe & Audrey Newman
Robin and Tommy Graham
May 5, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Jame’s passing. Mason and Lucas have fond memories of Sunday school with James and Wanda. We hold all of his family in our hearts and prayers.
Norman Scott
May 5, 2021
A great friend whom Ive known all my life . Godspeed ole friend
Linda Hill
May 4, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. All of the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Mabe
May 4, 2021
James was a good person and was always the same friendly smiling man every time
Eddie Myers & Jena Bordeaux Myers
May 4, 2021
Prayers are with you all...
David and Patricia Clontz
May 4, 2021
Prayers for Wanda and the whole family Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead Love y'all I am so sorry
Wade and Humphrey
May 4, 2021
I always remember him with a big smile a friend we all could to depend on loved him like a brother for yaers I only knew him as Tunk and would meet him and if I forgot I would still call him that My thoughts and Prayers are with the family love you all Gpd bless
charlotte mabry
May 4, 2021
Prayers go to Wanda and the children, grand children and brothers and sisters. Know that as his cousin, I loved him and have fond memories of our childhood. Going to Aunt Paulines store and spending summers playing in the creek. I will keep fond memories of him in my heart. God is with you Wanda and family. Know that you are loved. CHARLOTTE
Garnett and Vera Dalton
May 4, 2021
Remembering James and family.
Danny and dawn Spence
May 4, 2021
Sending our deepest sympathy to this family and prayers to all at this time
Doug & Kathy Fields
May 4, 2021
Praying for God's comfort to the family.
Larry and Linda Pickett
May 4, 2021
Prayers for Wanda, Michael, Marsha and the family! So sad to hear James has left us but know he is united with his family and friends now! Praying for strength, comfort and peace in the days ahead!
Tina Snow
May 4, 2021
Mike we are all sad that your Dad has passed. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead. He will be missed.
Lillian Gaye Frazier
May 4, 2021
James was always good to me. I know he will be missed. Prayers are going up for his family and friends. Love you guys
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Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville1035 N Main St. PO Box 145, Hillsville, VA 24343
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