Obituaries

William “Roy” Parnell, 94, of Bassett, Virginia, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1931, in Staunton, Virginia to the late James William Parnell and Opal May Southern.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Lois Collier; sisters, Syvlia Lee Parnell, Christine Parnell, Martha June Burnette, and Evelyn Newman; brothers, Howard Parnell and Kenneth Parnell; and his sister-in-law, Joan Parnell.

William was of the Christian faith. He retired from Bassett Chair Factory after many years of dedicated service and worked as a cab driver with Bassett Cab Service for many years.

He is survived by daughters; Linda Spencer and Janet Bowman (Glen); stepdaughter, Nancy Brogan and Faye Sigmon; brothers, Bernie Parnell (Teresa), Paul Parnell, and Connie Parnell (Liz); grandchildren, Angela Collier, C.J. Bowman, Alana Spencer, and Kelli Palmer; great grandchild, Anala B. Spencer; and numerous other family members and friends.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at Wright Funeral Service Bassett Chapel with B.J. Smith, C.J. Bowman, and Anala Spener officiating. Burial will be private. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.