William Philip Parnell (1950-2023)

William Philip Parnell, 72, of Savannah, Georgia, passed peacefully in his sleep on December 4, 2023 at Hospice Savannah following a three-year battle with renal cell carcinoma. He was surrounded by his loving family. William was truly the strong, silent type and will be dearly missed.

William, a true southern gentleman, was born in Savannah, Georgia to the late Mrs. Christina Gerken Parnell McMillan and the late Mr. Harry Benton Parnell. William graduated from Savannah High School in 1969. He further pursued his education by attending The Southern Technical Institute in Marietta, GA where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1973.

William's respected career began shortly after his college graduation with White, Hobbs, and McClellan. Over the years, the company saw multiple name changes, but William's loyalty remained firm. He was blessed to be named a Senior Partner under the Rosser Fabrap namesake. In September of 2023, after 50 years of serving his beloved Low Country and national accounts with electrical design needs, William reluctantly made the decision to initiate his retirement with Chatham Engineering. He official retirement date was set for December 31, 2023.

William is survived by his one true love, Wanda. He often described their times together as "Life with Lucy," a reference to the I Love Lucy television show. They were married for 50 years and built a life serving others with true southern hospitality and a heart for the Lord. They set a great precedence for all their family and friends. William is also survived by his daughter, Lauren (Scott), grandson, Joshua Chatham, two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, one niece, six nephews, four great-nephews, and three great-nieces.

William's family would like to give special recognition to Mr. Paul Mamalakis, William's long-time business partner and friend, his colleagues at Chatham Engineering, the staff at St. Joseph's/Candler, Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer Center, Hospice Savannah, and the congregation of Living Faith Church.

Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 8, 2023 at Living Faith Church in Guyton, GA. A service by Pastor Sean Faircloth will follow at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are then welcome to proceed to Bonaventure Cemetery for the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made in William's memory to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Funeral preparations provided by Thomas C. Strickland and Sons, Effingham location.