Willard David “Pop” Parnell, 98, of Edmonton, KY (a native of Adair County, KY) passed from this earthly world to be with his bride on November 19, 2025. A fiery, freckled-faced redhead brimming with curiosity, he began his life’s journey as Willard David Parnell on April Fools’ Day 1927—the second child of Mallie and Ransom Parnell—born on (as he often said) Long Creek in Adair County, KY.
God, along with his bride of 73 years, Norma Harper Parnell, and their son Lanny, welcomed him home, as did his parents, sister Milladean Keltner, and brothers Paul and Bobby. He embodied the motto “God, Country, Family,” and his life was a testament to those values. He often said that when he passed, “I don’t want people to say I died; I want them to say I went Home.” As a child, his love for the outdoors was born in and along Long Creek—fishing, hunting, and trapping at every opportunity.
His relationship with God also began early as a member of Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church. He never wavered from his faith. For the past 75 years, he was an active member of Edmonton Methodist Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School with Norma, and serving in numerous roles. Pop loved his church and his church family. He understood its importance in his life—almost as much as fishing.
At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Army during WWII. His tank battalion was later converted to the 8th Constabulary, a policing unit stationed near the Czech border until his discharge. It is believed that Pop was the last WWII veteran in Metcalfe County, KY.
Three years after his return, his life companion came into his life. After a very brief courtship, he and Norma were married on March 6, 1950. Four years later came Lanny, followed by Steve, then Cindy. Their marriage—built on love, devotion, and commitment—was truly a model to behold.
After several years in Indiana and Illinois, Pop and Norma returned to Edmonton in 1960 and opened Parnell’s Trading Center, a thriving, community-based country store that was as much museum as it was market—filled with antiques, clothing, auto parts, hand-cut bologna sandwiches, and everything in between.
Pop loved a challenge. Musky fishing became one—and he not only caught a Kentucky state record, and he broke his own record shortly thereafter. His next challenge was becoming a self-taught taxidermist… and a very good one.
Music was also a centerpiece of his life. Mostly self-taught, he played many instruments. He and Mom were regulars on the square-dancing circuit in the 1970s. He frequently played at church and was a regular at the Summer Shade Pickers on Friday nights. He always had a harmonica on his hip and was never shy to perform—whether in the dentist’s chair, a restaurant, the nursing home, or the hospital. It never took much for him to start a toe-tapping tune.
His love for family and friends was constant. “Stranger” quickly became “friend” as his curiosity and interest in people continued throughout his life. In recent years, caregivers provided comfort and support for his daily needs. They arrived as strangers and soon became family. The family is eternally grateful for the care they provided.
Pop had an incredible run. His goal of reaching 100 fell just a few months short, but those 98 years were filled with love, family, friendship, and, most importantly, faith. We will miss that never-ending smile, his touch, his patriotism, his wisdom, and his strong Christian faith. He’s already playing a tune with God, rest in peace Pop.
SURVIVORS:
1 daughter: Cindy Reeves (Sam)
1 son: Steve Parnell (Cathy)
Daughter-in-law: Carolyn Parnell
4 grandchildren: Samuel Reeves (Rachel), Tiffany Matthews (David), Jami Parnell (Brittany), and Tai Ann Webster (Ben)
9 great-grandchildren: Samuel IV, Ryder, Emma, Steph, Bensen, Savannah, Harper, Kennon, and Landree
Special niece: Anna Jolly
Funeral Service: Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 1:30pmCT at Butler Funeral Home in Edmonton, KY
Burial: Edmonton Cemetery
Visitation: Saturday from 3:00pm-8:00pmCT and Sunday after 8:00amCT at the funeral home.
Masonic Service: Saturday evening at 7:00pmCT
Butler Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
