Kenneth Gerald Parnell, 85, went to be with his Lord on April 21, 2025. Ken was born to Walter & Daisy Parnell of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on February 14, 1940, Valentine's Day. Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Nora Parnell, and his sister, Carolyn Parnell of Plantation, Florida. He is also survived by two nephews and their families, Freddie & Wanda Parnell and Glen & Wendy Parnell both of Lake City. He is also survived by Cathy Parnell, wife of his late nephew, David Parnell of Live Oak. He also has two great nephews and their families in Plantation, Florida.

Ken grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He graduated from high school and in 1963, volunteered for the Army during the Vietnam War. After intensive training, he served his country in the Panama Canal Zone doing weather research. After finishing his military obligation, he went to work for IBM. While working for IBM, he attended the University of Miami and graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in economics. Upon graduation from college, he worked full time for IBM in Boca Raton, Florida until he retired after 27 years.

In 1987, he married Nora Parnell, the love of his life. He and Nora moved to Suwannee County in 1991, In 2000, they relocated to Lake City, where they have had a wonderful life with family & friends. He took flying lessons at the Lake City Airport and got his Private Pilot's License when he was 60 years old, which had been a life-long dream. He loved airplanes!

Starting in 2001, and for several years, he was very involved in Operation Christmas Child in Lake City. He collected & transported shoe boxes to the Spirit of the Suwannee in Live Oak, where they were loaded on trucks to go to Samaritan's Purse in Boone, North Carolina. He was a charter member and helped start the Orchard Community Church in Lake City.

He was an accomplished organist. He was involved in various churches teaching Sunday school, playing the organ, and supporting the church with his resources and presence. He is a member of the Gateway Baptist Church family, where he was blessed with many good friends who showered him with Christ's love, encouragement and grace.

Our Heavenly Father used Ken's generosity and grace in the lives of his family, friends, community and everyone who knew him. He never had a harsh word to or about anyone. He was quiet, brilliant & humble. He was a man of great integrity.

Ken was an amazing husband, who nurtured, loved & adored Nora for 37 years. He was patient, generous and kind; and he constantly showed the Love of Christ to her. He was calm, reassuring and gracious, regardless of the circumstances.

A memorial service for Ken will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Gateway Baptist Church in Lake City, Florida at 10:00 A.M.. Visitation with the family will be at 9:00 AM.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Gideons International, which distributes Bibles around the world.