Eric Sanford Parnell

Mr. Eric Sanford Parnell was born November 9th, 1960 in Harlem, New York to parents Claude and Phyllis Parnell. He is the oldest of his siblings with the next being Claudette, Troy, Trent and Beverly Parnell. Through grade school and high school Eric showed much promise in the field of Journalism by commentating on local sporting events in his community and being involved in sports such as Baseball and Hockey. Eric was part of the 1978 graduating class of Murry Bergtraum High School. Following high school, he attended the University of St. Louis where he graduated with his first degree in Journalism & Communications in 1982. After the passing of his mother Phyllis in 1985, two years later in 1987 Eric chose to serve in the U.S. Air Force. During his time in the service he was the newspaper editor at Williams Air Force base in Arizona. On October 16th, 1987 he married his wife Kimberly Crawford of Dayton, Ohio

In 1992, Eric and Kimberly left the Air Force and in 1994 gave birth to their first son, Myles followed by their second son Isaiah in 1996 and Xavier in 1997. During this time, Eric decided to go back to school to earn his second degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas. After earning both degrees in 1998, Eric started his teaching career. Over the years, Eric had the privilege of teaching at New York City Schools, Aldine lSD, Best Elementary, Alief A.L.C., Hearn Elementary, Providence Private School, Navarro Middle School, Reading Jr. High, and Polly Ryon Middle School having a total of 18 years in the field of education. He also served as a Children's Church minister at Lakewood Church and Wilcrest Baptist Church for a total of over 25 years. Using his vast sports knowledge and journalism skills he spent the last year doing what he loved most. Eric was one half of the broadcasting team for the George Ranch High School Internet Radio Station and also started a Communications program for the students of Polly Ryon Middle School. Throughout his many years of service teaching in schools and church Eric has touched the lives and inspired the lives of many children and adults alike, blessing so many people with his presence during his time on this earth.

Eric has received numerous awards and praise for the work he has done throughout his lifetime. His legacy will be remembered through many of his loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 29 years, Kimberly K (Crawford) Parnell; three sons, Myles Parnell, Isaiah Parnell, Xavier Parnell; his brother, Trent Parnell; his two sisters, Claudette Parnell, Beverly Curry & husband Wayne; in-laws Jackie and Patricia Crawford, Lee Crawford and wife Vanessa, Melody Crawford, and Camille Crawford, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and students. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Parnell & Phyllis Ballard Parnell; and his brother, Troy Parnell.

He will be truly missed.

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"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."

- Ephesians 6:11-18 NIV