Robert Alan Pannell, 67, of Franklin, NC, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Alan was born in Macon County to the late Ernest "Bill" and Nell Yonce Pannell. He was a member of Sugarfork Baptist Church. He loved hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles. When he was younger, Alan was a gifted athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. It is here where he was affectionately known as "Big Al". Later he coached many Macon County boys in baseball. He retired from Ingles where he worked as produce manager and he was loved by all.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Cook Pannell; daughter, Kelly Crisp and husband, Derek; son, Casey Pannell and wife, Nikki; brothers, Kenneth Pannell and Randy Pannell; sister, Donna Cochran of Bryson City, NC; two grandchildren, Emery Pannell and Hallie Crisp. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 1-2pm on Saturday, January 6th at Macon Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm following the visitation at Sugarfork Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Steve Reeves will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Stannon Gaynes, Jason Cretacci, Joey Hurst, Jacob Cook, Luke Pangle, and Jason Pangle. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Mason, Frank Pangle, David Pannell, Tommy Pangle, and Joe Bryson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children, PO Box 534, Franklin, NC 28734 or 80's Flashback Weekend, https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/fundraiser/5139524

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.