Johnny H. Parnell SR, 73, of Harrisburg, Arkansas departed this life on March 6, 2023, in Jonesboro, Arkansas at NEA Baptist Hospital. He was born May 20, 1949, in Harrisburg, Arkansas the son of Albert and Berneva ‶Tiny″ Parnell and who preceded him in death, also two brothers and one sister. Johnny graduated from Harrisburg High School with the class of 1967 and worked a few years at Johansen Shoe Manufacturing Company. He then joined the United States Army in 1969 and found himself in Vietnam Service from September 6, 1969, until September 5, 1970. While serving Johnny was awarded: National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Two Overseas Bars, Vietnam Service Medal with/ 3 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and several Sharpshooter Badges. Back home Johnny worked with his father in the carpentering business, some at Addison shoe Mfg. Company before striking out on his own. Once in the business he remodeled a school and found a paddle in the school and they put it on display and another time working in the Powhatan Court House they found a wall with writing on it. The Historical Society looked into this! Johnny married Jeanette Miller in July 1971 and they have enjoyed fifty-one years together. Johnny is an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Harrisburg. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette of the home in Harrisburg, two sons: Johnny H. Parnell JR (Christy) of Cherry Valley and Jordan Parnell of Harrisburg, one daughter, Jennifer (Parnell) May (Scooter) of Parkin, Arkansas, two sisters, 4 grandchildren: Gracey Parnell, McKinley Parnell, Sadie May and Remie May. Bro. Dale Perry and Bro. Gary Henson will conduct the service and these men will serve as Active Pallbearers: Douglas Merritt, James Merritt, Chris Parnell, Kim Graves, Jason McGee, and Lee Blagg. Those serving as Honorary Pallbearers are The Class of 1967, and His Vietnam Brothers: Sammie Hunt, Clarence Laza, and Gary Witzig. Visitation is Wednesday ~ March 8, 2023, at Jackson’s Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00 until 8:00 P. M. Funeral Service will be Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 1:00 P. M. in the chapel with interment following in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye, Arkansas. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas PL.Memphis, Tennessee 38105
