News Summary
The Jacksonville community is coming together in grief as it mourns the loss of beloved local leaders Randy Meredith Gilmore and Shawn Christopher Parnell. Both men made significant contributions to the community and left a legacy of love and kindness. Their families and friends remember them for their passions, adventures, and deep connections with those around them. As the community heals, it embraced the memory of these remarkable individuals and supports one another during this difficult time.
Jacksonville Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Local Leaders
In an outpouring of love and sadness, the Jacksonville community is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of two prominent figures, Randy Meredith Gilmore and Shawn Christopher Parnell. These men left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew them, and their contributions to the community will be cherished forever.
The Legacy of Randy Meredith Gilmore
Randy Meredith Gilmore was born on August 23, 1955, in Normal, Illinois, and made Jacksonville his home after moving there with his family in 1961. He passed away on August 18, 2024, at The Honeycomb Hideout, his beloved home in Jacksonville. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Robbie Gilmore, but he leaves behind a loving family, including his sister Gayle, brother Robbie, and cherished nephews Scott and Ross. Great nieces Katie and Olivia will also remember him fondly.
Randy’s life was filled with adventure and passion. He graduated from Sandalwood High School and spent many weekends chasing waves across the world, embracing his love for surfing. Randy enjoyed practicing his golf swing in a dairy pasture near his Holiday Hill home with family, which lit up many sunny days. His careers varied from construction to commercial fishing before he fully dove into the golf lifestyle he so adored.
He spent his winters reveling in the warm Florida sun and summers in picturesque Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, forging lifelong friendships with fellow golf enthusiasts. An animal lover at heart, Randy showed his compassion by actively supporting the local Humane Society and forming unbreakable bonds with his furry friends. Friends remember him for his incredible ability to love deeply and connect with others, often suggesting they share a risqué joke in his memory.
Remembering Shawn Christopher Parnell
Just a year later, on June 12, 2025, the Jacksonville community faced another heart-wrenching loss with the passing of Shawn Christopher Parnell at the age of 48. Born on February 21, 1977, in Jacksonville, Shawn dedicated his life to bettering the community he loved so much. A proud graduate of the University of North Florida, he spent more than two decades working as an Electrical Engineer at JEA, contributing significantly to the city’s infrastructure and welfare.
Shawn was also a dedicated volunteer with the Volunteer Life Saving Corps, serving from 1993 to 2000 and demonstrating his commitment to the safety and well-being of those around him. His passion for the outdoors was evident, as he enjoyed fishing and spending quality time with his loving family, which includes his wife Liz, daughter Lorelei, and son William. He also leaves behind his supportive parents, Pam and Carl, brother Carl III with his family, and beloved grandparents Howard Crowe and Peggy Parnell, along with in-laws Salvator and Kasey Giustra.
A memorial service for Shawn is planned for June 27, 2025, at Quinn Shalz Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The community will gather for a Celebration of Life immediately after at Margaritaville, where stories and laughter will surely be shared, remembering the joyful moments he created.
Community Healing and Support
In the midst of this loss, the pain was compounded with the passing of another community member, Dalton, on July 18, 2025. His visitation is set for July 18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A private graveside service for Dalton will take place at a later date.
As the community comes together to support one another in this time of grief, families are encouraged to remember their loved ones by cherishing every moment spent together and enjoying the beauty of nature. Randy and Shawn’s legacies live on in the hearts they touched and in the laughter and love shared among friends and family.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Concerns Rise in Oakland Over Trump’s Comments on Crime
California Assembly Proposes New Congressional Maps
Palm Beach North Chamber Strengthens Business Community Ties
Jacksonville Mayor Responds to Controversial Budget Amendments
Changes Ahead at Disney: Layoffs and Program Consolidations
Concerns Grow Over ACA Tax Credit Expiration in Florida
New Jean Ribault High School Opens in Jacksonville
Temporary Levee in Juneau Successfully Prevents Flood Damage
Flood Barriers Save Juneau from Record-Breaking Glacial Outburst Floods
Orange County Public Schools Faces Budget Challenges
Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Obituaries: Randy Meredith Gilmore
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Quinn Shalz Funeral Home: Shawn Christopher Parnell Obituary
- Google Search: Randy Meredith Gilmore
- Dignity Memorial: Dalton Myers Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: JEA
- Jacksonville Obituaries: Shawn Christopher Parnell
- Google News: Shawn Christopher Parnell
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
