Peggy Parnell

Peggy Ryan Parnell, 85, passed away on March 16, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida. Born on July 17, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama, Peggy lived a life defined by love, strength, and altruism.

Reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping children and families in need, Peggy became one of the first paid Teacher’s Aides in Florida, was instrumental in the early development of Head Start programs in the state and advocated for fair teachers’ pay. In the 1980s, as a bank executive in Jacksonville, she was a trailblazer in this overwhelmingly male-dominated environment, distinguishing herself as a skilled negotiator and earning professional respect. Later in her career, she worked alongside leading clinical research hepatologists at Shands at the University of Florida, contributing to important advancements in medical research and patient care.
In both her professional and personal life, she embraced diversity and believed deeply in equality. For six decades, Peggy was a voice and a force against sexism, racism, and homophobia.

Above all, Peggy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt who will be remembered for her strength and compassion. She loved cheering on the Florida Gators during football games and gymnastics meets, reading books, and having dinner with friends. When she lost her husband in 2008, she persevered and developed an independence that she never lost, all while retaining her determination to keep herself informed about the world around her and to be a voice in it.

Peggy is survived by her eldest son, Carl B. Parnell, Jr., and his wife, Pamela Parnell, of Jacksonville, Florida; her younger son, Richard S. Parnell, and his husband, Christopher Hutson, of McLean, Virginia; as well as her grandchild and five great-grandchildren.
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Carl B. Parnell (2008), and her grandson, Shawn C. Parnell.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on May 3, 2026, at 4:00pm at the Hawkstone Country Club in Haile Plantation, in Gainesville Florida.

To RSVP for the celebration please email celebratepeggy2026@gmail.com.