Robert Lewis Parnell

Robert Lewis “Bobby” Parnell passed away on July 24, 2023, at the age of 84. Bobby was born in Washington, D.C. on March 29,1939 and raised in Arlington, VA. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary F. Parnell (Dodge), his two brothers: Arthur “Artie” Parnell and Bernard “Bernie” Parnell, his sister, Celia P. Green (nee Parnell), and most recently his grandson, Jared Randolph Shrader. He is survived by his three children, Connie J. Shrader (Kenny), Robert Lewis Parnell, Jr. (Pam), and Robin L. Parnell Burk (Phil Parker); a sister, Dorothy Stewart, two nieces, Donna Blanchard (Stewart) and Bonnie Bloomberg (Green). Bobby was fortunate enough to have 4 grandchildren whom he loved (and joked with) very much: Amanda M. Shrader Atlee (David), Jared R. Shrader (1997-2023), Taylor N. Burk (David) and Alexandra C. (Alex) Burk (Garrett Burton). He was even more fortunate to know and love his Great Grandson, Logan Chase Burton, who brought so much joy and happiness to the last year of his life. Towards the end, Bobby would frequently say, "And they call this the Golden Years?!” but even on his worst days, just hearing Logan’s name brought a smile to his face and gave him the will to live. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren and often expressed his regret that he did not spend more time with his family. Bobby enlisted in the Air Force in 1956, and served for four years in Morocco, AF; Savanna, GA; and El Paso, TX, before coming back home to marry the love of his life and begin his long-term career in construction. Bobby and Mary bought their first home and became longtime residents of Falls Church (Pimmit Hills), VA. They were active members of St. Luke Methodist Church in VA, where Bobby spent many Wednesday evenings assisting with spaghetti night for the George C. Marshall football team. Bobby and Mary eventually retired and moved to Jacksonville, NC, where they became active members of Northwoods United Methodist Church and enjoyed many years of warmer weather. He was a very hands-on kind of man, on weekends, at various points in his life, he could be found in the garage restoring an old truck or doing woodworking projects, in the yard gardening, or in his recliner enjoying a good book (or napping). All of which he missed very much once these hobbies became too challenging for him to complete. (Don’t let that fool you though, he still tried to repurpose EVERYTHING and make good use of it) Bobby was a very quiet and private man but when he opened up and “let loose” he was full of jokes and one liners to make everyone laugh. Moving into an assisted living home did not affect this quality; in fact, Bobby could often be found in the dining area with numerous people gathered around his table listening to his war stories or “BS” stories – it did not matter, everyone was laughing just the same. It goes without saying, he will be missed by all who knew him. No immediate services will be held. Bobby and Mary will be placed together at Arlington Cemetery in late 2024.

Robert Lewis Parnell

March 29, 1939 - July 24, 2023