William "Michael" Parnell

William “Michael” Parnell, 62, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Brandon. 

Michael was born on February 16, 1962, to Gaylon and Beth Parnell in Magnolia, Arkansas. He later moved to Brandon, Mississippi, where he graduated from Brandon High School in 1980. Michael married the love of his life, Teresa, in 1985 and recently celebrated 39 years together. 

He never met a stranger and led by example in believing that kindness goes a long way. He had the gift of encouragement and always looked for ways to lift others up. Above all, he valued his faith and family. His favorite hobby was playing golf with his son, Ben, whom he adored. He was a devoted father, who never missed a ball game or school event.

Michael enjoyed serving as a deacon at Crossgates Baptist Church, where he and Teresa also faithfully served for many years in the nursery. He loved “rocking babies” on Sunday mornings and had a special way of being able to comfort the little ones when they cried. 

He is preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Liberto.

He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Parnell; son, Ben (Meagan) Parnell; parents, Gaylon and Beth Parnell; brothers, David Parnell and Stephen Parnell; sister, Rebecca Blackburn; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Visitation will be held at Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon, Mississippi, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:30 am with a celebration of life service beginning at 11:30 am. A graveside service and burial will take place at Natchez Trace Memorial Park in Madison, Mississippi, at 3:00 pm Thursday. The service can be livestreamed at this link: https://crossgates.org/media/live

Please consider Samaritan's Purse or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation if you would like to make a donation in Michael's memory.