Richard Lee Parsell

Richard L. (Dick) Parsell, 80, died unexpectedly, Tuesday February 13, 2018. Dick was born in Jerseyville, Illinois on September 15, 1937. While he was attending pilot training in San Antonio, Texas, he met his future wife, Jeannette, on a blind date, and they were married in Houston December 31, 1960. Dick proudly served as a decorated pilot in the Air Force for 22 years and then flew for Smithfield Foods for another 18 years. Additionally, growing up on a farm helped Dick develop many talents, abilities and interests that served him and his fellow man well throughout his life.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart and Catherine Parsell, brother, William O. Parsell and sister, Doris Meyer. He survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jeannette, son, Mark S. Parsell (Connie); grandsons, Nicholas, Eric (Kathryn), and James (Melissa); four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Lucille, Oz and, Lilah; and two brothers, Peter (Caryl) Parsell, and Gene (Joyce) Parsell.

He was a faithful servant of his Lord and served in numerous capacities at Ivy Memorial Baptist Church. Those ministries that he cherished most included assisting in the development and coordination of the Deacon Ministry Program; his tireless work to ensure that church facilities and grounds were properly maintained; and his Leadership of the Salvation Sunday School Class. He had great love and compassion for those facing difficult challenges and circumstances even to the point of he and Jeannette opening their home to serve these needs on occasion. Dick loved working on his farm, enjoying his beautiful gardens of delicious vegetables and prize-winning roses, and tending to his birds, animals and bees. He loved sharing with all who came to visit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and whose lives he touched in so many ways.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am followed by funeral services at 11:00 am Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Ivy Memorial Baptist Church, 2200 Coliseum Drive in Hampton. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park with full military honors.

In memory of Richard, donations may be made to Ivy Memorial Baptist Church, The Red Cross or Wounded Warriors.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home 2551 N. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23666.