Mr. Richard Keith Pannell, age 59, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022. He was born December 13, 1962 on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to Frank Holly Lewis Pannell and Georgia Etna Beth Gomillion Pannell.

Mr. Pannell was a resident of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He was Baptist by faith and a charter member of Grace Church, where he served as chairman of the finance team. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and son. He graduated from the University of West Florida, receiving his bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After graduating from college, he and his parents founded EBRO International Incorporated, doing business as Colortyme and later changing to Rent-A-Center. EBRO would go on to control seven franchised Rent-A-Center stores in Florida and Alabama. Richard was a leader in the industry, regularly in the Top 5 best Franchises in the RAC system. EBRO won the "Eagle" award as the best Franchise in 2003. Richard was a constant member of the "Franchise Advisory Board" and helped lead the charge on changes and initiatives in a complex and evolving workspace. Richard was an inventive and creative leader, who always put his employees well above the bottom line. He enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends, and he was an avid Florida Gator football fan.

Mr. Pannell was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Mr. Pannell is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Itheria Gay Brooks Pannell of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; two sons (both of DeFuniak Springs, Florida), Richard Keith Pannell II and Ryan Kyle Pannell; his brother, Ronald Victor Pannell of Panama City Beach, Florida; his sister, Sharon Kay Morken of Fleming Island, Florida; nieces and nephews, Kevin Pannell and wife Karen, Kimberly Pannell Jerkins and husband Allen, Timothy Foxhall and wife Amanda, Christina Laureano, Jennifer Morken, and Steven Morken; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Time of Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Grace Church; 298 Walton Road, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Grace Church with Dr. Bobby Tucker, Dr. Vernon Harkey, and Reverend Richard Murray, Jr. officiating and comments by Keith and  Kyle Pannell.

Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers are being accepted or donations may be made to Grace Church at 298 Walton Road, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433.

The pallbearers will be Chuck Stevenson, Rob Neale, Greg Majors, Kevin Pannell, Jerry Anderson, Steven Morken, Timothy Foxhall, and Nick Anderson.

You may view funeral services live at https://www.facebook.com/claryglennfh/