Leland Edward Parkhill Jr.

Leland Edward “Ed” Parkhill, Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, November 16th after a short illness. He was received into the arms of Jesus, as well as his parents, Beulah Mae and Leland Parkhill, his sister, Clare Ashcraft, and beloved daughter, Valerie Ann Parkhill.

Ed was born in North Little Rock on August 26, 1937, and was a lifelong resident of the city, graduating as a North Little Rock Wildcat in 1955. He remained a dedicated Wildcat until his death, enjoying several trips and cruises with classmates over the years as well as monthly ‘guy lunches’. He also attended Little Rock University.

Ed served in the Air Force Reserve while working as an electrician with the MoPac Railroad before finding a home at the North Little Rock Electric Department. There he worked as a lineman for 44 years where he apprenticed many future linemen, practiced and taught safety and championed the Non-Uniformed Pension Program for all non-uniformed employees of North Little Rock. In 1999, he took the Oath of Office to serve as Chairman of the Non-Uniformed Pension Board. During his tenure with the Electric Department, Ed received numerous citations for his work and his attendance.

A life-long sports fan, Ed played them all, excelling at baseball for several youth and Boy’s Club leagues. He was also a standout basketball player for North Little Rock High School and at Little Rock University. His competitive spirit and knowledge for sports lead to a lifetime of coaching youth football and basketball, as well as women’s softball.

Ed lived his faith and was a lifelong member of Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church serving wherever and whenever he was needed. He taught adult and youth Sunday school classes, drove the church bus, maintained the lawn and buildings and served on every committee and in various leadership roles over the years. Outside of his dedication to his faith, Ed loved watching the Razorbacks and playing cards or horseshoes with friends. But he most loved spending time with his family. He loved each one of us totally and completely and we knew that because he was always there. Ball games, concerts, school plays, holidays, birthday gatherings (where we all enjoyed the special Parkhill version of ‘Happy Birthday’), Ed was all in!

Ed is survived by his wife of 66 years, Princie; son Scott Edward (GiGi); daughter Medra Lynne; grandson Graham Edward (Alyssa); great-granddaughter, Margot Carol; grandson Zachary Scott (Ashley) and great-grandson, Henry Edward.

The family would like to thank Ed’s doctors and the staff of Springhill Baptist ICU and CARTI for their sincere care and compassion during Ed’s illness. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a gift in Ed’s memory to Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church.

And one last word from Ed to his family, “Remember you’re a Parkhill!”