ELI CLIFTON PARNELL JR.

Eli Clifton Parnell Jr., 84, husband and soul mate of Eleanor G. Parnell for 59 years, died Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at National Healthcare Center.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Eli Clifton Parnell Sr. and Cleo Hudson Parnell.

Mr. Parnell was a retired fire chief of Sumter. He was a recipient of the Fritz Turner Award and was a life member of the State Fire Association. He was a former president of the Business Licensing Association. He was a Mason, a member of Omar Shrine Temple, served as past captain of the Omar Color Guard, was a past president of the S.L.C. Shrine Club and was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. He also served as a director of “Helping Hands.” He was a state constable and a member of Sumter-Wateree Hunt Club. He became a member of Grace Baptist Church in 1969.

Surviving are his wife of Sumter; a daughter, Cecilia Williamson; a son, Michael C. Parnell (Tammy); five grandchildren, David Osborn (Crystal), Angie Osborn Crisp, Michael Williamson (Heather), Matthew Williamson (Beth), Michael Devin Parnell (Lacy); numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Alma P. Yelle and Louise Watkins, and a brother, James Edward Parnell.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Steve Williams and the Rev. Steve Shumake officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Sumter Fire Department and Sumter-Wateree Hunt Club.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home, and the family is requesting due to COVID restrictions no visitors will be received at the home.

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.