top of page

Jacky "Joe" Parnell

January 10, 1943 until August 31, 2023

Jacky "Joe" Parnell

Jacky “Joe” Parnell, age 80, passed away on Thursday, August 31st 2023 at the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born on Sunday, January 10th 1943 in Denver Colorado to Raymond and Katherine Parnell. He grew up in Amarillo, Texas where he attended high school.

Jacky joined the United States Army in 1964 and was stationed in Germany. After his service he then joined the National Guard. He attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas where he studied English and Fine Arts. At the University of Arkansas he studied in the Department of Education and continued training in the Arts. Jacky earned his Bachelors Degree in Science at the University of Arkansas. He worked as an Art Teacher in Arkansas and worked with troubled teens in Illinois to help them get their GED.

Jacky is an artist, a photographer, an author and an avid golfer. He enjoyed singing karaoke and writing his novels.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Raymond and Kathryn Parnell, his brothers; Ben Parnell and Eugene “Winky” Parnell, one sister; Polly Parnell, and twin grandsons; Brent and Chad Cross.

Jacky is survived by his half brother; Johnny Wood of Amarillo, Texas, two daughters; Gina Parnell and Joy (Travis) Durham, both of Lincoln, Arkansas, his grandchildren; step-Nicole (Matt) Bailey, Sarah (Joseph) Abercrombie, Kyle Cross, Erica (Dustin) Villines, Samantha Durham (Daniel Chote), Sierra (Hunter) Floyd, ten great-grandchildren and one on the way, and he had a long time friend; Mary Hodges.

He is in our hearts and we will always love and miss him. He brought so much joy to our family, more than he will ever know. We salute him; we honor him; we celebrate him; we thank him. We will always carry his memory.

He will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas Friday the 8th at 12:30.

bottom of page