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for anyone out there who may have been at SMU in the Jerry Levias era, you may have known Tom Parsell. Tom was killed in a car accident here in Charleston last night. Tom built a successfull car dealership (before selling to Rick Hendricks) and along with a partner, started some of Charleston's better known restaurants.

Wanted to post this just in case there were any old timers out there who may have known Tom as a young Mustang.

Charleston Pony wrote:for anyone out there who may have been at SMU in the Jerry Levias era, you may have known Tom Parsell. Tom was killed in a car accident here in Charleston last night. Tom built a successfull car dealership (before selling to Rick Hendricks) and along with a partner, started some of Charleston's better known restaurants.

Wanted to post this just in case there were any old timers out there who may have known Tom as a young Mustang.

What years? I was there Levias' last year but do not recall the name.

It's a sad day when we loose a mustang. Prayers are with his family.

I consider "old timers" to be in their 80's or later, not 50's or60's. Someday you will know what I mean. In any event, our prayers are with the family.

Restaurateur Tom Parsell killed in auto accident

By John McDermott
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, September 26, 2007

MOUNT PLEASANT -- Thomas Parsell, a local entrepreneur and
restaurateur, died Wednesday night in an automobile accident
on U.S. Highway 17 North.



Parsell, 63, of Charleston, was traveling south on the highway about
6:40 p.m. and had just stopped at a red light at the intersection
of Park West Boulevard, said Mount Pleasant police Sgt. Pat Carter Jr.

It appears that, when the light changed, Parsell might have
accelerated too quickly and lost control of his classic
1950s, silver-colored Corvette, Carter said.

Parsell's vehicle crossed the grassy median and struck
a Volvo traveling in the opposite direction, Carter said. An
SUV then collided into the rear of the Volvo.

Parsell suffered blunt-force trauma and died at the scene,
Charleston County Deputy Coroner Kelly Myers said.

Another driver was taken to East Cooper Regional Medical Center,
treated and released, Carter said.

A former automobile dealer, Parsell was president and
principal proprietor of Charleston-based Hospitality Management
Group Inc.

He and his business partner, noted chef Donald Barickman,
helped the city establish its reputation as a culinary destination
with their 1991 opening of Magnolias on East Bay Street. They
went on to open Blossom Cafe in 1993 and Cypress Lowcountry
Grill in 2001.


Scene of car crash Wednesday on U.S. Highway 17 in front
of Park West in Mount Pleasant.

All three restaurants are still in business, no small
accomplishment given the highly competitive nature
of the dining scene in downtown Charleston.

According his company's Web site, Parsell was a graduate
of Southern Methodist University and owned Tom Parsell
Chevrolet Inc. from 1975 to 1989.

A Honda and Toyota dealership he formed in 1990 was
sold in 2003.

Parsell also was a founder of Bank of Charleston, which is now
part of Carolina First, and lectured on entrepreneurship at the
college level.

Parsell was active with wife Suzi in local preservation efforts.

http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/sep/26/restaurateur_tom_parsell_killed_auto_accident/