James Leonard Parnell, age 73 of Hillsville, VA went to his heavenly home on Monday, May 3, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

James was born on September 25, 1947 to the late Cloyd and Pauline Parnell in Shorts Creek, VA.  He graduated from Hillsville High School in 1966 and was in the Army Reserves from 1967 to 1973.  James married the love of his life, Wanda, on August 15, 1970 and was blessed with a son, Michael Parnell and his wife, Bridget, daughter, Marsha Lawson and her husband, Allen, loving grandchildren, Skyler Lawson and wife, Rachel and Cassidy Lawson; and great-grandbaby, Amzie Lawson, all who were the joy of his life. Also surviving are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jewel and Chuck Hoover and Becky and Bill Meredith; brothers and sisters-in-law, Buster and Betty Parnell, Roger and Nancy Parnell, Junior and Lowetta Parnell, Gary and Elma Parnell, Ricky Parnell and Gaylene Holdaway, and Charlie and Mary Ann Parnell and several nieces and nephews.

He was a Past Master and devoted member of the Hillsville Masonic Lodge No. 193 for 50 years. James was also a member of the Grayson Carroll Shrine Club and Kazim Hillbillies for over 40 years.

He followed in his father's footsteps at a young age with a lime and fertilize trucking business, eventually starting his own business with his son.  He has served the farmers of Virginia and North Carolina for nearly 60 years, making many friends.

He and his wife were Sunday School teachers at Hillsville First United Methodist Church for 23 years and currently attending Pleasant View Church with their family.

James was a loving father and grandfather and supported each of his family members' ventures and was very active with his family.

A graveside service with burial following will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Parnell Cemetery at 5:00 PM with Pastors Ricky Alexander and David Bays officiating.  The family will receive friends at the cemetery from 3:00 until 5:00 PM prior to the graveside service.  Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Hillsville Masonic Lodge #193 AF & AM.   Flowers are appreciated; however, donations may also be made to Pleasant View Church or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Processing Center PO Box 863765 Orlando, FL 32886. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.