Phillip Earl Carnell

Phillip Earl Carnell, son of the late Arvel Dewitt Carnell and Katie Mae Taylor Carnell, was born on Tuesday, August 22, 1944, and departed this life on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at his residence in Kennett at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 19 days. Left to carry on his legacy is his loving wife of 57 years, Erma Jean Carnell of Kennett; two daughters, LaDawn Carnell and Kim Carnell both of Kennett; grandchildren, Cody & Heather Dawson (Kipton, Cruz, Kensie) of Blytheville, AR, Jonathon and Heather Percifull (Noah, Avery Kate, Nolan Shane) of Kennett, Andrew and Taylor Rodrigeuz (Aliza Jane) San Bernardino, CA, Brian and Cassidy Buchanan (Grayson, Weston) of Kennett, Beau Carnell of Kennett; brothers, Kenneth Carnell (Shirley), Tony Carnell (Marcia), and Ray Ivy (Rae nell); Sisters, Jane Jarrett Nancy Parker (Wincle), Sharon Montgomery (Joel); sisters-in-law, Carolyn Carnell and Patricia Perkins. He was preceded in death by a son, Phillip Shane Carnell; his parents Arvel and Katie Carnell; two brothers, William Edward Carnell and Arvel Elwood Carnell; two brothers-in-law, Leroy Nall and Henry Keown, and a nephew, Donald Kip Burgess, Jr. Phil was no stranger to adventure. He had a passion for cars and proved it every time the wheels hit the drag strip at George Ray’s. His racing friends referred to him as, “The Legend.” He was always around offering advice on racing and helping the younger generation fine tune a motor. He was a gentle man who made you feel at ease the moment he began to speak. He was a natural born comedian and knew just the right time to crack a joke. His love for his grandchildren was like no other. He was a protector, entertainer, weatherman and fixer of all things. There is no doubt he left an everlasting mark on this world and in our lives. The amount of people he touched is remarkable. All of his accomplishments, like overcoming tragedy and adversity, raising resilient children, excelling as a great leader not only in the workplace but in the lives of his family and friends. He taught us so many things we needed to know in this life, but he didn’t teach us how to live without him. He crossed the finish line one last time with that checkered flag waving, winning the ultimate race in life. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at The Bridge Church, 14763 Josephine Drive, Kennett with Pastor Wayland Tom officiating. Visitation will begin there at 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Kennett Pallbearers, Cody Dawson, Jonathon Percifull, Brian Buchanan, Michael Carnell, Mark Carnell, Freddie Parker; Honorary Pallbearers, Anthony Miller, Bernie Rogers, Brad Wright, Ricky Williams, John Spielman, Dennis Rainey, Jonce Chidester, Nicolas Jain, Marty Fowler In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.