Made his transition from earth to glory on October 13, 2017.  He was born on November 1, 1931 in Hattiesburg, MS to Carrie and Lewis “Willie” Parnell.  Mr. Parnell served in the US Army from 1953 to 1954.  During this time, he served in the Korean War with an honorable discharge.  He received the Korean Service ribbon, United States Service medal and the National Defense service medal. He retired from Babcock and Wilcox in 1981.   Mr. Parnell accepted Christ at a young age.  He joined United Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Roderick Pounds and Bishop Kenneth Paramore.  While at United, he sang with the Male Chorus and worked with the Gospel Wonders.  He later joined Greater Bethel Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Melford J. Elliot.  While at Greater Bethel, he attended Sunday School and was in training to be a Deacon.  Mr. Parnell rejoined United under the pastorate of Pastor Kevin Rushing where he attended 8:00 o’clock services and Sunday School until his illness.  Mr. Parnell’s, hobbies included bowling, fishing and talking on the CB where his handle was Iron jaw but most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Parnell was previously married to Henrietta and from that union 5 children were born. In July of 1981, he married Alice Louise.  They were married for 30 years until her passing in 2012.

He was preceded in death by his parents, both wives and several siblings.  He is survived by sons, George Gladney (New York, NY), Greg Gladney (Daytona Beach, FL), Michael Martin, Aaron G Walton (caregiver), Robert Walton and Lavert (Tiffanie) Martin all from Akron, OH.  Daughters, Pat Gladney (Jacksonville, IL), Lynette Gladney (E St. Louis, IL), Karen Wright (E St Louis, IL), Agnes Marie McClellan of Cleveland, OH and Veronika Walton from Akron, OH.  He leaves one brother Bobby Barber from Minnesota, WI; two sisters Edna Jean Harper and Mary Catherine Barber both from Minnesota, WI, sister in law Glory J. Addie from Akron, OH.  Mr. Parnell has numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.