Joseph Alvin Parnell, 89, of Columbia, Kentucky, died Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Shanti Niketan Hospice House in Glasgow

He was born November 26, 1936, in Adair County, to the late Joseph Oscar and Dellie Rogers Parnell.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Carl Parnell and James “Jiggs” Parnell and his five sisters, Ora Sneed, Pauline Sneed, Lillian Coomer, Alice Sneed and Flossie Hamlett.

Mr. Parnell was a faithful member of Jones Chapel Church, serving as Sunday School Teacher for 50 years and Sunday School Superintendent for over 60 years.  He retired from the Adair County School System after 30 years where he taught at Adair County High School.

Survivors include:

His wife of 67 years – Norma Jean Hamlett Parnell of Columbia

Two daughters – Ann Marr (Timmy) of Greensburg and Pam Jones of Columbia

One grandson – David Marr (Heather) of Lexington

Three great-granddaughters – Anneliese, Madelyn and Emmeline

Several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Funeral service – Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Givens and Bro. Bobby Withers officiating

Burial in Jones Chapel Cemetery

Visitation after 5:00 P.M. Monday

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Jones Chapel Church which can be left at the funeral home

Casket Bearers – Barry Hamlett, Johnny Richard, Mike Parnell, Timmy Marr, David Marr, Jamie Richard, Derek Richard

Honorary - Carolyn Richard, Barbara Jean Coomer, Margie Smith, Faye Blakey, Linda Brock, Wanda Hatcher

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements