Darce Parnell

Darce Lunsford Parnell, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Woodland Court Personal Care Center in Newton, MS. Dee, or "Shorty", as he was known by many, was born September 25, 1920 to Thomas L. and Annie Batton Parnell of Humphreys County, TN. An Army veteran of World War II, he served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was awarded a Purple Heart in 1945. He returned home and married Louise Cates on March 11, 1946. He worked as a plant operator for Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. (Tenneco) for 35 years before he retired to enjoy working in his yard, playing golf, and pursuing self-taught woodworking, making many beautiful pieces of furniture. Devoted to his family and his church, he faithfully served as a deacon and elder in both Cleveland Street Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and New Albany Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in New Albany, MS. He was raised to Elder Emeritus status in 2008. Dee and Louise moved to Forest in 2008 to be near their daughter. He joined Forest Presbyterian Church while living there. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-five years Louise Cates Parnell, his parents, six brothers, and four sisters. Darce is survived by his daughter, Pat and her husband Dr. Kenneth G. Strong of Forest, two granddaughters, Amy Strong Loggins (Roy) of Starkville and Emily Strong Marlow of Nashville, TN, one great-grandson Jacob Hunter Loggins of Starkville, one sister Dot Sawyer of Pegram, TN, and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at United Funeral Home Chapel in New Albany from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 with services to follow at 1 p.m.. Burial will be in the Vista Memorial Park Cemetery. United Funeral Service in New Albany is in charge of the arrangements. The family would like to thank Mrs. Jimmie Nell Rawson and her staff at Woodland Court in Newton for the wonderful car and love shown at their loved one. In honor of Mr. Parnell, United Funeral Service, Inc. will fly the flag of the United States Army at the funeral home during visitation and service

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