Lynn Parkhill

Longtime Coast businessman and cherished friend to all, Ronald “Mr. Lynn” Parkhill (67) died peacefully at home on Thursday, May 30, 2024, after an illness of several months. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Vicki; their children, David (Amberly Hennig) Parkhill, Bethany (Sean Jones) Parkhill, Jonathan (Rischelle) Morgan, and Tyler (Courtney) Morgan; grandchildren, Makenna Morgan, Emma Morgan, David Calvin Parkhill, Jacob Morgan, Jace Morgan, and Emma Gallender; brothers, David (Bonnie) Parkhill and Bobby (Toni) Parkhill; dad/Gramps, Dwight (Jan) Oldham; his mother-in-law, Ida Garner; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Charles) Long and Becky Berry; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends that were family of the heart. 

Lynn was predeceased by his parents David William Parkhill and Orda Parkhill Oldham; father-in-law, Everett Garner; a brother-in-law, Tommy Garner; and a sister-in-law, Alice Mills. 

Born in Slayton TX on January 19, 1957, Lynn grew up in West Texas and got his first job at 15 at Taco Bueno in Abilene, working for the late Jimmie Johnson. Jimmie became Lynn’s lifelong friend and eventually, along with his then-wife, Jean, and their daughter, Cheri, they became partners in the family venture that became Taco Sombrero. Lynn had a passion for hard work and excellent customer service from the day he began that first job and those qualities became the driving force behind his success as a restauranteur. He was a shining example of what a profoundly good man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend should be. Lynn loved everyone, and if you knew him, you knew that.

In 1980, at the age of 22, Lynn opened the first Taco Sombrero on the MS Gulf Coast in Gulfport. It quickly gained a reputation for great Mexican food but the secret ingredient in all their recipes was always Mr. Lynn’s smile and warm welcome. Taco Sombrero is a family business and Lynn considered all who entered its doors family, on both sides of the counter. His incredible smile and booming “Hey, how are you doing today?” greeted everyone, whether they were there to clock in for work, have some lunch, or do business. When he asked how you were doing, you knew he really wanted to know, and he always had a moment for a chat or a laugh. 

Lynn treated every customer like family because, to him, they were family. His determination to do business honorably and to give his customers value and quality with genuine gratitude for their patronage was the hallmark of his business. It was often said of Lynn that he never met a stranger and that has never been truer of anyone than it was of him. He knew and loved each of his customers and during his illness, the thing he missed most was seeing them every day. Over the 44 years that Lynn lived and did business on the Coast, he touched thousands of lives. Countless employees, current and former, remember him as their first boss who taught them the value of hard work and honesty, and the person who was there to lend a hand or support them through tough times and celebrate with them in good times.

Although Taco Sombrero was Lynn’s passion and purpose, his heart belonged to his family and friends. He delighted in his children and grandchildren and loved to spend time with them, always quick to make them laugh. He and the love of his life, Vicki, enjoyed dancing and travel and working hard together to make their beautiful home all they wanted it to be. An avid hunter and fisherman, he cherished his time with his longtime buddies at the deer camp. Lynn’s steadfast support of law enforcement began when he spent time in the 1980s as a reserve officer for the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. He talked fondly of those days and maintained lifelong friendships with fellow officers. Lynn had many precious friends who were faithful in visiting him, praying for him, and loving him until the end, from all walks of life and from all seasons of his own life. Once you were part of Lynn’s world, he loved you, and it showed. 

There are so very many people to thank for their kindness and support during Lynn’s illness, but the Parkhill family would like to specifically thank Dr Antoine Rizk, NP Faith Crosby, and their entire staff, along with the staff of SADD’s Hospice for their extraordinary care during Lynn’s final days. The Parkhill and Taco Sombrero families have been overwhelmed by your outpouring of love, prayers, and support. More than anything, we appreciate your memories of Lynn’s laughter and kindness. He loved you all, and we are grateful that you loved him back. 

A celebration of Lynn’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at The Church at Windance, 20035 Robinson Road, Gulfport MS 39503, with arrangements by Riemann Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 PM (Central) followed by a memorial service at 4:00 PM (Central). Special friends Jim Cox, Andy Dedeaux, Ernest House, Danny Mercer, Guy Necaise, Doug Nester, Mike Partridge, Doug Price, Randy Roberson, Bob Short, Kevin Willis, and Kenny Young will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider honoring Lynn’s memory with a memorial gift to The Church at Windance Youth Ministry at the church address above.