Obituary of 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 the 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 is 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 the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Steve Williams and the Rev. Steve Shumake officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Sumter Fire Department and Sumter-Wateree Hunt Club. The family will receive friends from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the 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 Street, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.