Birth date: Aug 24, 1938 Death date: Apr 26, 2023
Thomas Jackson “Jack” Parnell, whose golden voice graced the airwaves for over 60 years, first as a disc jockey and later as an announcer for thousands of commercials and voiceovers, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, April Read Obituary
Jack was such a caring and genuinely kind person. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I had not known Jack personally, although I had met him on occasion as a child, as he worked with my Grandmother at WHBQ radio. Several years ago when my Grandmother passed away, Jack had reached out to me to offer his condolences. He didn’t just reach out to say he was sorry for my loss though. Jack began to send me funny little stories every so now and then of funny memories of working at the station with her over the years. I truly began to look so forward to his emails and for about a year or so I would get messages from Jack about her. It was just the kindest and thoughtful gesture I’ve even known. We became fast friends and stayed in touch at least that whole first year after she had passed away. I think about that all the time. He made something that could have been so sad and turned it into something lovely. I enjoyed my little email chats with Jack so much and eventually he would tell me stories of his own family and children and he was so very proud of you all! I will always think of his heartfelt kindness forever and how much he truly loved his family! He was just a legend of genuine kindness. I will never forget that about him.
I've been in radio for 40 years and wound up working at IRN in Memphis for several years beginning in 2007. Jack was the kindest, most encouraging, most supportive and positive person I've ever met. I was thrilled when he would come to critique all of the broadcasters at IRN and even moreso when he would, without fail, have positive things to say about my performance. It's kind of like having DaVinci look at the watercolor you did as a 3-year-old and say 'great use of space.' Rest well Jack, I'm sorry we didn't get to have more chats about the crazy business of radio. To the family, my sincere thanks and jealousy at having been witness to such an amazing person.
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Condolences to his family and friends.
Jack was my go-to guy for voiceovers for many years, from the time I started working as a freelance video producer through my many years at Dobbs International Services and successor Gate Gourmet.
Occasionally I would need to make minor updates to a video requiring changes to voiceover. I could email Jack the script with the updates highlighted. He would send back the drops and when I edited them in no one could tell the original portion from the changes. In some cases it was a difference of as much as 10 years. He was that good, that consistent.
Jack is still the global voice of training at Gate Gourmet.
A fond memory dates back to the days when the voiceovers were recorded to CD. Occasionally I would have to swing by his home and pick up a CD. He would always say “It’ll be in the cardboard box on the porch - but please don’t take the box!”
Thanks for all the great work over the years Jack. You and your wonderful voice will me missed.
Shirley, Chris and Cindy, I was so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. He was a great guy, who always welcomed me back when my sister, Judy Fanning, and her family lived next door in Germantown.
I had moved to Texas and driven in to visit Judy and her family, parking on their driveway, next to Jack's side yard. He, as usual, smiled and waved as I arrived, then gave me a booming "Hello! How are you?" as I got out of my car. He was working in the yard and, across the yard I saw someone else pushing a lawnmower. Since Chris was appearing on SNL at that time, I hadn't thought it was he, so I said, "That isn't Chris over there behind that mower, is it?" Jack's response was to laugh and say, "Oh, yeah. We have to do something to keep his head from getting too big!"
Years later, during Judy's terminal illness, he and Shirley were so generous with their time to help with whatever they could do for her. That's something I will always remember with profound gratitude. I'm sure Judy was in the welcoming committee in Heaven when Jack arrived.
My condolences to you all.
Cynthia (Cindy) Jones
Overland Park, KS
To Shirley, Chris and Cindy, I was so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. Jack and Shirley were great neighbors to my sister, Judy Fanning, and her family during her final illness in 2001 and I will always remember that with fondness and gratitude.
On a happier note, I also remember visiting Judy once from Texas (long before her illness), driving up into the driveway and seeing Jack out working in the yard next door, along with Chris (when Chris was on SNL). When he called out a hearty hello, I asked Jack whether that was Chris behind the lawnmower (across the yard) and he chuckled, saying, "Oh, yeah, we have to make sure his head doesn't get TOO big!"
I don't think I ever encountered Jack when he wasn't smiling. He was a great guy.
My sincere condolences to all of you.
Cynthia (Cindy) Jones
Cindy and family,
I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. I only had the pleasure of meeting your parents a couple times during my visits to Memphis, but I always enjoyed talking to Jack. His caring and good-natured personality was always evident when we spoke. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ms. Shirley, Chris and Cindy,
Dick and Nancy Romine along with Susan and Lisa, will truly miss Jack. There are so many sayings in our family that came from him. Daddy still talks about when they all worked down at the Chisca Hotel. After Jack would sign off on air at 9:00, about 4 or 5 of the guys would go down to the drug store to drink coffee, visit and share stories. We have so many great memories and of course all the great stories. We are praying for you all. I am sure he is making everyone laugh in Heaven about now.
Love The Romine's
FROM PEGGY HANEY - Jack was such a nice and caring man. I enjoyed going to Milan High Scool with hem and listening to him on the radio. He was so talented.
I didn't know Jack but sent him an email asking some questions about the biz. Didn't expect a response but BOY did he. Such a kind man and so sorry for your loss. Bobby
Jack Parnell was a legend of Memphis radio. Sending condolences to his family. - Judy Dorsey, WEVL FM 89.9
