Arnold Parnell

Arnold Parnell was born February 3, 1965, to Levance Parnell and Alice O'Neil Parnell in Bennettsville, SC. 

Arnold was baptized at a young age at Gethsemane Baptist Church. He served as a member of the Ray McCluney Voices of Praise.

Arnold graduated from Andrews High School, class of 1983. After graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Army and ranked as Sergeant First Class (E-7) and served over 20 years retiring in 2007. He served in Colorado and Germany. He worked mostly in the field of communications. Arnold received many decorations and medals to include Army Achievements, Components Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service, Humanitarian Service, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Arnold worked at Orkin Pest Control for years. He received a prestigious award as Technician of the Year in December of 2018. He loved spending time with his family and friends, often sharing encouraging words with his nephews and nieces. He loved capturing photos of family at proms, graduations, birthdays, weddings and holidays. He always came with his camera to capture precious moments we will always cherish. He loved gardening and planting flowers and sharing potted plants.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James Turner Parnell and Lillie Mae Woods Parnell; maternal grandparents, William O’Neil Sr. and Mary Lou Stackhouse O’Neil; and Arnold is reunited with Derrick Cook and Melvin Southerland, known as the three musketeers. 

Surviving is his wife, Demetrius Jones-Parnell; his parents, Levance and Alice Parnell; one son, Desmond Parnell and two daughters, Demetria Parnell and Danesha Parnell; stepsons, Andre (Kamryn) Jones and Joshua Jones, stepdaughter, Andrienne Jones; three sisters, Beverly Parnell (Gerald) Dorsette, Tara Parnell, Amy Parnell (David) Strickland; four aunts, Annie Lee Southerland, Gloria Cook, Pearlie O’Neil and Willie Mae O'Neil. In addition, six nieces, Tiarra Morris, Danica Parnell, Erika Strickland, Jessica McCray, Ashley Timberlake and Jasmine Dorsette; four nephews, Jamell Strickland, Ishmael Strickland, Kendrick Townsend and Ryan Townsend; seven great nephews; seven great nieces; god-daughter, Candice Ricks; god-sister, Markisha Nicholson; a special little furry friend, Maci; and a host cousins and special friends.

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