Ralph Odell Parnell

Mr. Ralph Odell Parnell, age 80, husband of Merle Lovins Parnell went home to be with the Lord Sunday, October 15, 2023, at his home.

Mr. Parnell was born March 2, 1943, in Spartanburg, SC a son of the late Columbus Fulton Parnell and Gladys Brown Parnell. He was a member of First Baptist Church Spartanburg.  He was a leader of Children's Church first at Valley Falls Freewill Baptist Church and then First Baptist North Spartanburg for a total of twenty-five years. He was a member of the choir of First Baptist North Spartanburg participating in "The Twin Living Christmas Trees" production for many years.

Missionary work was an extremely important part of his life. He went on twelve trips to Romania, one trip to Nicaragua, and one trip to Germany. He also had a "Ralph 4 God Prayer Warrior" ministry, and hosted a radio show, "Reach Out with Ralph" on WKDY radio station.  He enjoyed fishing and cutting grass in his self-named landscaping business, "Little Man with a Big Mower".

Surviving in addition to his wife are daughters, Tina Parnell Cochran (Curtis), of Boiling Springs, Reesie Parnell Laster (Toby), of Chesnee, Mary Moore (Jimmy), of Arp, Texas, and Michelle Taylor Strawn (Richie), of Boiling Springs; sons, Chris Parnell (Tammy), Jeremy Ralph Parnell  both of Boiling Springs, and Michael Taylor (Lalia) of Startex; grandchildren, Jesse Moore, Jennifer Cabel (Chase), Ben Cochran (Jennifer), Cameron Cochran (Jessica), Shane Laster (Melissa), Cody Laster (Chad), Jordan Strawn (Cody), Greyson Strawn, Dustin Taylor, Hunter Taylor, John Taylor (Shelby), Jay Taylor, Kenon Parnell (Jenny), and Carson Ross (Daniel), and numerous great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was predeceased by his thirteen siblings and son, Mark Allen Taylor.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Eggers Funeral Home Chapel of Boiling Springs conducted by the Rev. Dr. Mike Hamlet and Chris Parnell.  A private burial will be held at Good Shepherd Memorial Park later.

The family will receive friends at Eggers Funeral Home of Boiling Springs from 12:00 until 2:00 PM Saturday prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to "The Encouraging Word" a ministry of First Baptist Church Spartanburg, 250 East Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306.