Howard C.C. Parnell, Sr.

In Remembrance …

Mr. Howard Carlton Craig Parnell, Sr. was a caring father, grandfather, brother, family member, and friend.

He departed this earthly life on July 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas after a brief illness. Howard was born in Lake City, Florida on May 27, 1931 to the late Nathaniel Parnell and the late Vashti Baker Parnell.

Upon graduating from Richardson High School in Lake City, Florida, Howard enlisted in the United States Army. During his military tours of service, Howard served in the Korean War. While stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he met and married Bernice Evelyn Lawrence. They had been married for 27 years, until passing in 1987. To this union two children were born: Janine Emma and Howard Carlton Craig Parnell, Jr. He retired from the Army in 1971.

After his retirement from the military, he relocated to Florence, South Carolina. Howard worked for the City of Florence as Director of Codes Enforcement and then as Director of Community Relations. Howard valued education and led his family by example.

In 1977 while working for the City of Florence, Howard received his Associate Degree in Business Management from Florence Darlington Technical College. After 20 years, in 1992, he retired from the City of Florence. Hardworking and a strong advocate for others, Howard worked for South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority as a Construction Specialist, he worked for Pee Dee Council of Government and Low Country Council of Government Housing Rehabilitation Specialist/Contractor. In 1997, Howard worked as Weatherization Director at Wateree Community Actions, Inc. In 2011, he established a nonprofit: Parnell’s Community Development Corporation, Inc. with the desire to provide a better quality of life for low-income clients using available funding sources.

Howard, a servant at heart, was always willing to help and serve wherever he saw the need. He was a Board Member of the Health Facilities Credit Union, the Palmetto Housing Corporation, and the Pee Dee Housing Development.

He was a member of New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina where he served on the Usher Board. He was Chairman of the Trustee Board and of the Education Committee, during his time.

Howard leaves to cherish his memory his devoted children: Janine Emma, Howard Carlton Craig, Jr. (Wendy) Parnell; five grandchildren, Sharidan Parnell, Ashlin Parnell, Jadah Rush, Carlton Parnell, and John Parnell; one brother, Donal Parnell; two sisters, Mildred Pinkston and Joyce Tunsil; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Please keep the family of Howard Carlton Craig Parnell, Sr. in your thoughts and prayers.