Biography:

Thomas Laird Parnell, age 43, of Valley View, Arkansas, passed away on August 22, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas, surrounded by his mother and cousins.

Born on October 28, 1982, he was the son of Floyd B. Parnell and Mary Wilmans Burton. He was a precious gift from God to his mom and dad. 

Laird grew up in Newport, Arkansas, where he was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1996, at just 14 years old, he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Newport High School in 2001 as an Honor Graduate and went on to pursue higher education at Arkansas State University-Newport, where he earned his associate degree in 2004.

Laird had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed all types of hunting, especially the time spent hunting with his dad and Papaw Punch. Some of his fondest memories were made duck hunting at the cabin with his dog, Shadow, his Uncle Bill, and his dad. Those adventures became treasured memories that he carried with him throughout his life.

Laird had an especially tender heart for animals. Faith, his beloved four-legged companion of 15 years, was a constant part of his life until her recent passing. Her loss left an emptiness in his life that was deeply felt.

Laird is survived by his mother, Mary, and his son, Leland. He is also survived by his uncle, Bill Fisher; cousins, Billy Fisher, Marianne Fisher Wells, Catherine Murray Lewis, and Crawford Murray, who was also his best friend; as well as a host of extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bubba Parnell; his grandparents, Pauline and Punch Holcomb, and Mary and Charles H. Wilmans; his aunts, Anne Wilmans Fisher and Camille Wilmans Murray; and his uncle, Larry Parnell.

Laird will be remembered for his kind heart, his love of family, his devotion to his animals, and the many memories he created with those closest to him. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Those who wish to donate in Laird’s memory may do so to:

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72223

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 301 Hazel Street, Newport, AR 72112

No services are planned at this time.