James Montgomery "Monty" Parnell

James Montgomery “Monty” Parnell, age 62, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. A man of deep faith, gentle humor, and unwavering devotion to his loved ones, Monty’s life was a testament to passionate strength, radiant joy, and steadfast love.

Born in Lithonia, Georgia, to Larry and Catherine Lazenby Parnell, Monty lived a life rich in service, family, simple pleasures, and faith. He took much pride in his role as AWANA Commander, where he invested deeply in the lives of young boys and girls for over 10 years. He also cherished his role as a deacon steadfastly serving his local church. Monty worked intentionally as a pharmacist at Middle Georgia Home Infusion, where his care and compassion touched many lives.

However, Monty’s heart and passion was always at home--- with his wife, children, grandchildren and the many people blessed to be part of his life. He would come home after long workdays to prepare delicious meals for his family. It seemed that his chief hobby was whatever his children were invested in--- whether it was getting up with Jacob at 4am for 5K races, sitting for hours on end just to watch Jared wrestle for four minutes, or taking off work to drive a trailer for Eva Catherine’s One Act Team, he always did it with delight. Nothing prided him more than seeing his children flourish in their own lives, and he was always their biggest fan. Routinely in the summers you would find Monty ready to carry Nancy’s chair down to the shoreline and enjoy the ocean breeze with her on family vacations.

He had a gift for embracing life’s everyday joys. He loved stalking turkeys or climbing deer stands as long as it was with another beloved family member or friend. And while Monty was in the church anytime the doors were open (or closed), he didn’t mind skipping a Sunday service to bring his boys to an afternoon Braves game. He also enjoyed taking his daughter to savor a Chick-fil-A milkshake after school… just because. Monty also appreciated the fine art of making Frogmore Stew (Low Country Boil)--- a skill he passed onto his sons.

Monty was truly a man after God’s own heart, finding comfort and wisdom in studying his Bible, reading hymns, and walking closely with Jesus--- his closest friend. On any given morning, you could find Monty sitting at his table with bible and journal in hand. For many Thursdays, you would find him at Andersonville Cemetery fasting and praying for his family. Monty took great joy in seeing the Lord invite one of his sons into full time ministry.

Monty was preceded by his adoptive father, James Parnell; his sister, Lisa Mon; his father-in-law, Ray Bass; and many other cherished family members who now welcome him home.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 38 years, Nancy Parnell; his children, Jacob Parnell (Amanda), Jared Parnell (Tiana), Eva Catherine Clark (Ashley); and his adored grandchildren, Chandler James Parnell, Ruby Louise Parnell, and two more grandchildren soon to arrive, Charlotte Leigh Parnell and Elisha Montgomery Parnell. Also left to cherish his memory, his parents, Larry and Catherine Lazenby Parnell; his sister, Lori Adamson (Donnie); his mother-in-law, Eva Jeanette Bass; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Cross Point Baptist Church in Perry, Georgia. A memorial service celebrating Monty’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Michael Stovall, Jacob Parnell, and Jared Parnell.

In honor of Monty’s legacy and his heart for ministry, the family asks that donations be made to support his son and daughter-in-love’s mission work with the Georgia Tech Navigators at navstaff.org/give/23826787.

With honor, Burpee-Scott Memorial Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with Monty’s arrangements.

Monty Parnell’s life was a living sermon of faith, hope and love--- a life well-lived and deeply loved. Though his absence leaves a profound ache, his spirit lives on in the lives he shaped, the family he cherished, and the faith he steadfastly lived.