Birth date: Mar 16, 1938 Death date: Dec 30, 2025
Richard “Parnell” Privette, age 87, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Trinity Health – Muskegon Hospital. He was born March 16, 1938, in Ft. Worth, TX, to William “Palmer” Privette and Almeta M. (Stark) Privette. Parnell Read Obituary
My name is Teresa and I am Parnell’s daughter.
Not every relationship follows a clear or comfortable path. And while mine with my father had a few rocky years, we had a close relationship most of my life and right up until the end. I am writing this today, on the day we bury him, wanting to honor the parts that really mattered— the moments that taught me something, and the qualities that I cherish today. I loved my dad very much. He had a lot a great qualities and led a very interesting life. As I reflect on his life, I can see that he helped shape who I am today.
My dad was Adventurous Dad— Growing up we went camping and hiking as a family. We took long rides to state parks in our camper van during the summer vacations. I remember he wasn’t the much for details, he just wanted to start and go, go, go! He had the vision and we helped work out the details to implement the plan. Growing up, I remember learning to water ski behind our boat, riding horses and tandem bikes with him on vacation in Mackinaw Island and hiking Pikes Peak. He was the kind of dad that would carry my backpack when my little arms got tired. He created opportunities that we might not have had if he had not been so industrious. He sewed the tents and bedrolls himself to prepare for our state park trips. He was definitely not afraid to try new things. I mean, if he was willing to jump out of military airplanes in his army training days, I don’t think there was much he wouldn’t try, as long as it was relatively safe.
He was a very Unique Dad—He was both analytical AND musical. Two traits that have definitely been passed down to my family in particular. We continue to have musicians and engineers in our family. I remember he encouraged all my musical pursuits and when I was in college we were in a symphony together, which is a is a treasured memory. When it came to installing or repairing things around our house, I was always his helper. He taught me invaluable skills and developed my curiosity about how things worked. His problem solving skills started early. He told me that he used to take apart clocks and try to put them back together as a little boy. Because of that influence, my instinct is to try to fix things myself. Things didn’t always workout, but we can say we tried. The key is to remember the order in which you took it apart!
My dad was a Fun and Spontaneous Dad- While most dads would just let their children have a normal birthday party. I remember on my 16th birthday I had a “sweet 16” costume party! He and my mom came out dressed in high school 1950s outfits. Her in a band uniform and Him with jeans, a leather jacket, slicked back hair and a motorcycle helmet. It was like he was Fonzie from the TV Show Happy Days. It hit me funny because he was a self-proclaimed computer nerd, so it must have been some sort of alter ego coming out. My brother told me about a time my dad took him and his teenage friends camping. When they came home from the trip my dad decided to be spontaneous and he made the whole group green eggs and ham. Apparently, the book from Dr. Seus was discussed at some point during the trip, and he thought it was a funny to pay homage.
My dad was a Good Provider & Hard Worker— While he was a professor at Eastfield College, he taught extra classes in the summer to financially provide for our family. As I got older, he pursued contract engineering jobs to ensure my brother and I were able to go to college debt free. We greatly appreciate his sacrifices and the long hours he put in to better our lives.
Most importantly to me— My dad was a Christian— He lead with a quiet understand of what was important in this life. He was kind, lead by example, and took our family to church every Sunday. While I was growing up, he modeled his faith by getting involved and volunteering his musical talents there. He told me once that he liked playing in our church’s orchestra because he sat close to the pulpit. Apparently, it kept him on his toes and focused on the sermon.
As I reflect on his life, I see the legacy he left behind for me and my brother and our children. The fun adventurous, hardworking and loving dad that I knew is no longer with us but, his influence continues in the choices we make, the values we carry, and the way we live with purpose.
My dad, also known as grandpa, will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In my heart, I know he is in a better place and I really look forward to seeing him again someday. I love you, dad!!
