John Harrison Parnell

John H Parnell, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a lifelong resident of Louisiana passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 2, 2024. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 12 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home located at 825 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a short graveside service located at Roselawn Cemetery.

He was born on April 1, 1954 in Baton Rouge to the proud parents Ann Harrison Parnell and Frederick Davis Parnell, Jr.

He was a graduate of Broadmoor High School class of 1972 and received a bachelor’s degree in business from Louisiana State University class of 1978.

John was a man with many passions. If you were riding a skateboard or water skiing in Baton Rouge in the 1970’s you more than likely bought your equipment from John at Fred Parnell’s The Sports Shop. John didn’t just sell the equipment from the shop, he did it from the field! He was an extreme sports kind of person, doing ski jumps and flying in a kite on skis! He later paid for those adventures with knee and back problems as most daredevils do.

John trained a tiger named George. Yes, a tiger! John had a great bond with George and loved him dearly. John gave his time to volunteer and work with the Courageous Animals That Survive, a wildlife rescue preserve at the time.

John was a world traveler. He made meaningful and lasting relationships with many people worldwide. He was an expert mechanic specializing in pre war antique Rolls Royce and Bentley automobiles. He was a classic cars specialist who bought, sold, traded, transported, and exported these cars and others.

John was a proud member of the Rolls Royce Owners club since 1972, a member of The International Rolls Royce Enthusiasts club since 1977, a member of the Derby Bentley Society, and a member of the Antique Outboard Motor Club.

Here is a great letter describing John from his longtime friend Jay Bennett of Bennett’s Water Ski and Wakeboard School:

JOHN PARNELL

John loved every aspect of water skiing. His love of the sport made his ski shop at Fred Parnell’s Sporting Goods, the Go To place for water sports. His knowledge of boat and skiing products was second to none.

In the 70’s, we had the Cajun Power Ski Club on False River, where we were members together. John was a good skier, but his real passion was flying flat wing kites, and no one loved flying kites more that John!

John also became a Ski Natique dealer and was always bringing his boat out for everyone to ski behind…he loved the sport, he loved sharing. Our club had the luxury of trying out the latest and greatest skis and equipment courtesy of John…as he loved bringing out new gear for everyone to try.

He was a walking encyclopedia on all water sports equipment from construction to how it was supposed to perform. Through his knowledge and love, he built a water sports business that was the largest in the south.

When John decided to move out of the water sports business, he helped me get started in the water ski and boat business…something that I am truly grateful for!

John also developed a love for old cars…his passion for water skiing gave way to a new obsession for Rolls Royce automobiles. And as one would expect from John, he became an expert at that too! He knew EVERYTHING about antique Rolls: histories, mechanical issues, and established himself, again, as the Go To Guy for all things Rolls Royce! People would call him from all over the world seeking his knowledge and expertise.

No matter what the sport, or hobby, or obsession, John was always eager to help, to answer questions, to share: his knowledge and his passion. We are all better off from knowing John and having spent time with him…and I will always remember the fun times we had together.

Fly your kite high, my friend!!

Jay Bennett

John held his loved ones past and present deeply in his heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ann Harrison Parnell and Frederick Davis Parnell, Jr. and grandparents Elmira Harelson Harrison and Holt Trammel Harrison.

He is survived by two sisters, Carol Parnell Morgan and Kay Alice Parnell; first cousin Stephen Harrison and his wife Carrie Harrison – foremost caregivers; extended family member Virgilio “Velo” Sosa Castro, nephews and many other cousins and friends near and far. Special thanks to caregivers Margot, Tawanda, Cierra, and Que.

Pallbearers will be Tom Foster, Lynn Leatherman, Jay Bennett, Garr Wooley, Stephen Harrison and William Harrison. Honorary Pallbearers are Dale Powers and Velo Sosa Castro.

Memorial donations may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project.