Neal Smith Parnell

KERNERSVILLE - Neal Smith Parnell, 40, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at his home. Neal was born on August 6, 1986 in Forsyth County to Rick and Lynn Parnell. He grew up in the Kernersville area and was no stranger to his community. At age 12, Neal was a part of the 1999 Kernersville Little League Allstars Team that finished 2nd in the SE Little League World Series. He was a graduate of Glenn High School, earned his Bachelors at Appalachian State, and followed that with his Masters at UNC-G.

Neal was the epitome of kindness and loyalty to his wife, daughters, family, friends and community. His genuine concern for others reached far beyond his driveway. Neal was an active member at Bunker Hill United Methodist Church and the Upper Room Sunday School Class. He served on many Community Boards – Korner’s Folly, Beeson Crossroads Fire Department, YMCA, Kernersville Foundation, Education Foundation for WS/FCS, and has been a member of the Kernersville Rotary Club for over 15 years, serving as a past President, and in many other roles.

Neal began his career with Piedmont Federal Bank in 2009. He was truly a Piedmont Federal man and genuinely believed in their mission of helping others navigate their financial goals, positively and professionally.

Neal was a Godly man who truly loved the Lord and selflessly lived accordingly. He has given his two daughters the gift of love, guidance, faith, and strong work ethic to carry with them forever. He has passed on to them his love of farming, and hunting - spending priceless hours teaching them valued life lessons.

To say that Neal will be missed as a community figure puts it lightly, but more so, he will be greatly missed as a husband, son, father, and friend.

Neal was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe Davis and Mary Smith; and Wesley Parnell.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 16 years, Lindsey Parnell; his two daughters, Blakely and Smith Parnell; his parents, Rick and Lynn Parnell; his grandmother, Sarah Parnell; and many extended family and friends.

A service to celebrate Neal’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2026 at The Crossing Church – North Main Campus with Rev. Chuck Ireson officiating. Burial will follow at Glenn View Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, at The Crossing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any of these organizations Neal was a part of: Kernersville Foundation, PO Box 921, Kernersville, NC 27285; Korner’s Folly, 401 South Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284; or Education Foundation for WS/FCS, PO Box 11406, Winston-Salem, NC 27116.

Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.