Obituary of R.D. Parnell

R. D. Parnell, age 88, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, in his hospital room surrounded by his family. Known for his friendly smile and encouraging word to everyone, he was born to Royal and Virgie Parnell of Gibson County, Tenn. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Evangeline Naomi Fulghum Parnell; children, Bonnie (Art) Riechert of Murfreesboro; Pam Chisholm (Bob) of Dallas, and Jeff (Deborah) Parnell of Murfreesboro; sister, Mary Burnett of Memphis; and grandchildren David Chisholm (Stephanie) of Austin, Texas; Jessica Chisholm of Memphis; and Jacob and Rachel Parnell of Murfreesboro; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his parents as well as three brothers, Murphy, James, and Carl Eugene; and two sisters, Marie Hissong and Virginia Arnett. Mr. Parnell was a gospel preacher since 1945, having preached fulltime in Memphis, Three Rivers, Mich.; Plymouth, Ind.; Chattanooga; Chelsea, Mich.; Maud, Ala.; Bogalusa, Louisiana; Eupora, Miss.; and Rosiclare, Ill., the hometown of his wife. The Parnell's moved to Murfreesboro in 1994 when he retired from full-time preaching. For the past several years, he preached part-time for the Raus Church of Christ near Tullahoma. He and his family were active members of the Crescent Church of Christ in Murfreesboro. Mr. Parnell was a veteran of World War II, having been drafted two weeks out of high school and serving overseas in the U. S. Army. He was a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and David Lipscomb University. Visitation with the family will be Friday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Crescent Church of Christ on Barfield Crescent Road in Murfreesboro, followed by funeral service at 11, officiated by Darryl Lewis. Murfreesboro Funeral Home will handle arrangements. Burial will follow at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Nashville with Full Military Honors. Donations in his memory may be made to the Crescent Church of Christ Building Fund, 4915 Barfield Crescent Road, Murfreesboro, TN 37128.