A memorial service for 16-year Gardnerville resident William Harrison "Harry" Parnell will be at 3 p.m. Monday at FitzHenry's Carson Valley Funeral Home.
Mr. Parnell died suddenly Feb. 12, 2003 in Gardnerville. He was born Oct. 9, 1919 in South Carolina to William and Mary Jane Parnell. He was 83.
With a little creative help Mr. Parnell finagled his way into the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He served until 1939 and fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II after rejoining the Navy.
He was a graduate of the San Diego Business College and had a 40-year career with the U.S. Customs Service retiring in 1981.
He moved to the Carson Valley in 1987.
Mr. Parnell's first marriage was to Jean. They had a son, Thomas Michael.
He remarried in 1950.
Among his survivors are: his wife, Frances; two sons and a daughter; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.
FitzHenry's Carson Valley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
