December 28, 1941 - May 18, 2024
Chester Max Parnell, 82, passed away on May 18, 2024, at Methodist North Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The son of Chester C. ''Check'' and Hazel Irene Best Parnell was born in Buford, Arkansas, on December 28, 1941. He married Sharon Sue McCracken on December 2, 1967, in Mabelvale, Arkansas.
Max was a 1959 graduate of Mountain Home High School. He was one of the first two members of the Mountain Home FFA chapter to earn the American Farmer Degree. He attended Arkansas Tech and graduated from the University of Arkansas, and he did some additional graduate work at the University of Missouri.
He taught vocational agriculture for one year at Summersville, Missouri. He then started working for the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Cotton Division. He was assigned to various locations, but the bulk of his career was spent in Greenwood, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee. Max served in various capacities in the Cotton Division including field representative, cotton classer, and cotton classer supervisor; however, the bulk of his career involved market news and spot cotton quotations. He retired on December 31, 1999, after 35 ½ years of service. He was Assistant Chief of the Market News Branch at the time of his retirement.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Jarred and Sarah Parnell, of Austin, Texas; two nephews; and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and sister Sue Fletcher.
A visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Roller Funeral Home in Mountain Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Roller Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Baxter Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Galatia Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 103, Norfork, AR 72658; or to a church of the donor's choice.
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9 Condolence(s)
Sammy & Collette Chandler
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Dear Jarred & Sarah,
Uncle Max held a special place in our hearts. We will miss him so much. Please know that we are holding you up in prayer and our sympathies go out to you.
Ginny Mayfield
Monday, June 10, 2024
I was saddened to hear of your father's passing, Jarred. I know that you will miss him so much. Know that thoughts and prayers are with you and Sarah.
Nadine Biggers Froderman
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Many years ago Max answered many questions for me regarding where l lived as a child, plus other genealogical questions. I always held him in high esteem, and always will.
Emerson and Dorcas Byrd
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Jarred and Sarah, We are so sorry for your loss. Dorcas and I pray for God’s comfort for you both. Love, Emerson
Patty Pitchford Fletcher
Saturday, June 8, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of Max's passing. My sympathy to the Parnell family. I'll miss conversing with Max on social media regarding the history of our area and of the Buford community. Very nice man and very knowledgeable.
Lorie kraatz
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Our thoughts & prayers are with you Jared & Sarah. Fathers are such a big part of our lives & I know Max is home with his Lord & Savior. I pray for healing for your heavy hearts.
Tracey Moore
Friday, June 7, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear about Uncle Max, but I know he will be welcomed in heaven by Aunt Sharon and many other loved ones. He was always so kind to us. He gave us the funniest notes at our wedding and was always so thoughtful. Even though we didn’t live close by, he cared what was happening with us and prayed for us. He will be missed.
Carol Ann Acklin Havner
Friday, June 7, 2024
Sorry to hear about Max. He and my dad, Emmit Dolan Acklin, spent many hours working on the family history.
Laura Page Allen
Friday, June 7, 2024
I want to send sincere condolences to Max’s family. I am sorry for your loss.
Max was a cousin on my Granny Mildred Adams Page’s side of the family.
Laura Page Allen