Ira B. Parnell Jr.

Ira Byrd Parnell, Jr., was born to I. Byrd and Jeanette Stafford Parnell on March 13, 1952, in Sumter, South Carolina. As big brother to Jean, Ira grew up in Sumter enjoying all the adventures a country boy could dream up with his friends and cousins. Those adventures lived on as often told stories that have entertained his children and grandchildren.

He met the love of his life, Gwen McJunkin, in his late teens even though Gwen’s father, Thomas McJunkin, served as Chief Deputy under Ira’s dad, Sheriff I. Byrd Parnell, Sr., in Sumter County for many years. Ira and Gwen married on June 2, 1973, and moved to Columbia, SC, where Ira began his career with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

As son of Sumter County’s long-time Sheriff, a fascination for law enforcement was ingrained in Ira from an early age. After graduating from Thomas Sumter Academy, Ira attended Clemson University at Sumter and later finished a degree from the University of South Carolina, all in pursuit of a career in law enforcement.

He graduated from the SC Criminal Justice Academy and a few years later, upon completion of the FBI Academy, Ira was awarded his graduation certificate by his father, who was also a graduate of the academy.

At SLED, Ira worked his way through the ranks running with the blood hounds, working crime scene investigations, and then in the Latent Fingerprint and Firearms Lab. The latter part of his law enforcement career was spent as the head of the Firearms and Tool Marks Lab. He also served on the SWAT team for twenty-five years, most of that as the head of the Sniper Team. SWAT team members remember him as level-headed and one of the best men they’ve ever worked alongside. Ira was a forensic expert witness in many criminal cases and continues to surprise acquaintances with his appearances on television shows like Cold Case Files.

As much as Ira was passionate about his work, he loved his family more. He was a devoted and loving husband to Gwen for 52 years, serving as her primary caregiver for many years after her stroke. He was heartbroken to lose her eight months before joining her in heaven. As dad (Pop) to I.B., Tommy, and Janie, Ira shared his hobbies with his children, which included fishing and hunting all kinds of critters, especially with a bow. He loved taking them hunting and fishing and recounting stories when they couldn’t go together. Ira delighted in his nine grandchildren and enjoyed hunting and fishing with them as well (as long as they could sit still and be quiet).

Family and friends describe Ira’s faith in Christ as steadfast and unwavering. There was never a question as to where he and his family would be on Sunday mornings; they were in church taking part in corporate worship. As a member of Salem United Methodist Church, Ira served on the teacher rotation of the Seeker’s Sunday School Class and sang in the choir for forty years. His annual Christmas Eve rendition of “O Holy Night” is legendary.

Ira is preceded in death by his wife, Gwen McJunkin Parnell, and his parents. Those he leaves to cherish his memory are his children I.B. (Michelle) Parnell, Tommy (Ande) Parnell, and Janie (Matt) McNair; grandchildren Eve (William) Crabtree, Abi Parnell, Holden Parnell, Hannah McNair, Kempson Parnell, Lizzie Parnell, William McNair, Grigsby Parnell, and Caleb McNair; sister Jean (Terry) Ledford; and numerous family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00PM at Union United Methodist Church in Irmo, SC. A time of visitation will take place immediately after the service. Inurnment will be the same day at 5:00PM at Salem United Methodist Church in Irmo, SC, with a short reception to follow. Floral tributes are welcome, but donations can be made in Ira’s memory to Operation Blessing at CBN.com.