Parnell

Dr. Billy Joe Parnell passed away on Sept. 25 in Dallas. Bill was born in Mount Vernon on March 16, 1925 and graduated valedictorian from Mt. Vernon High School,later attending East Texas State University and Texas Christian University. He graduated from Tulane Medical School in 1947. Bill married the love of his life, Tommy Irene Mathis on May 29, 1949, and together had six children. She remained his closest friend and confidant throughout their lives. He served his country in the Korean War before returning home to complete his residency in radiology at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Afterwards he was on staff at Medical Arts, Parkland and St. Paul Hospitals. From 1957-1981 he practiced at Wysong Clinic in McKinney. He returned home to East Texas in 1981 to serve with Presbyterian Hospital of Winnsboro, East Texas Medical Center in Mt. Vernon and Pittsburg Hospital as their sole radiologist. He exemplified competence and compassion in his treatment of his patients and fostered endearing and lasting relationships with the staffs at those hospitals.

During his time in East Texas he became a prolific and expert woodworker, renovating their home, a deteriorating 1905 Victorian, and restoring it to its former glory. He also made kitchen cabinets, several chairs and tables all of which exhibit exquisite mastery of the craft. He eventually turned to music, making two beautiful violins, learning how to play the violin, and then showcasing his talents with two others at a talent show at his church, First United Methodist Church of Winnsboro. As a member of the church, he enjoyed attending services, volunteering for Obituary various projects, teaching classes and contributing towards the success of the church. He also read extensively, choosing history as his main interest, which resulted in an extensive library that shall be donated to the Gilbreath Memorial Public Library and senior centers in Winnsboro. He was honored for his lifelong accomplishments by the State of Texas, in the 77th Texas Legislature, by the House of Representatives in H. R. 526, in the presence of his entire family: “RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas Legislature hereby commend Dr. Billy Joe Parnell for his outstanding efforts in behalf of his fellow citizens and extend to him sincere best wishes for success and happiness in all his future endeavors; and, be it further resolved, that an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Dr. Parnell as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.” Bill was predeceased by his father and mother, Edward E. Parnell and Annie May Wardrup Parnell. He is survived by his wife, Tommye Irene Mathis; three daughters, Annette Keedy of San Antonio and son-in-law, John, Cindy Shipes of Dallas and son-in-law, John, and Pamela Parnell; three sons, David Parnell of Houston, Charles Parnell of Austin, and James Parnell of Rockwall and daughterin- law, Ingrid; and seven grandchildren, Stephen Keedy, Claire Parnell, Elliot Parnell, Matthew Shipes, William Shipes, Austin Parnell and MacKenzie Parnell. The Reverend Henry Suche and Mike Langdon officiated in the church service at First Methodist Church in Winnsboro on Monday, Sept. 29, at 1:00 p.m. and a graveside service, under the direction of Beaty Funeral Home, was held at Detroit Cemetery in Detroit at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to First United Methodist Church of Winnsboro or to a charity of your choice. To leave a message for the family please visit www. beatyfuneralhome.com.