Charles A. Parnell

Charles A. Parnell, 82, of Felton Delaware passed away in his home on October 22, 2023. Charlie was born in Belton, South Carolina on May 2, 1941 to the late John Clifton and Mary Nathalee Parnell.

Charlie was a proud veteran of the United State Air Force where he was eventually stationed at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, DE and then remained in Delaware ever since that time. Charlie worked at Chesapeake Utilities, then went into business for himself in Felton. He owned various businesses including Parnell’s Market, Felton Mobil, Felton Restaurant, B & C Investments, and in 1969 he formed Charlie’s Auto Sales (which is still in operation today). Charlie later went to work at the Felton Post Office as a rural carrier and retired after 34 years of service. Charlie was preceded in death by his son-in-law Jeffrey Hanf.

He is survived by his long-time companion Patricia Zdradzinski, his daughter Joan Parnell of Steamboat Springs, CO, son Robert Parnell and his wife Mary of Felton, DE, two grandchildren (who he was extremely proud of) Katie Parnell of Mechanicsburg, PA and Matthew Parnell of Felton, DE. He is also survived by his two brothers John Parnell and Fred Parnell, his three sisters Beba Davenport, Dannalee Tribble, all of South Carolina and Jeritta Ann Parnell of Georgia, several nieces and nephews, and a long-time business partner Benny Carroll. He was a member of the Felton Community Fire Company, Kent County Board of Adjustments, and the Odd Fellows. Charlie loved to collect all kinds of antiques and cars. He always enjoyed a good auction or a car sale. Charlie always enjoyed friends stopping by the car lot for an interesting conversation on current events, or whatever the topic of the day was. He will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and his community.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 11 am – 1 pm in the chapel of Berry Short Funeral Home 217 E. Main St. Felton, Delaware. Interment at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, DE will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Felton Community Fire Company P. O. Box 946 Felton, DE 19943.