James Thomas Parris

James Thomas (Tom) Parris, 69. of Greenville, SC, died peacefully at his home and went to meet his Lord and Master on November 16, 2017, after several months of declining health. Born on April 3, 1948, he was the son of the late James Robert (Bob) and Virginia Nelson Parris of Enoree, SC. He was also preceded in death by a younger brother Michael (Mike) Keith Parris of Woodruff, SC.
After graduation from Woodruff High School in 1966, Tom served 4 years in the U.S Air Force. Upon his completion of military duty, he earned an Associate Degree in Horticulture from Spartanburg Technical College and planted & managed apple orchards in Salem, S.C. for several years. From apples, he accompanied his wife, Marilyn, to Charleston, SC and was the Grounds Manager for the Medical University of S.C. for 2 years while she attended the University. While living in Swainsboro, GA, he earned a BS Degree in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. He worked in the Insurance Business for a number of years both in GA and Greenville, SC. He achieved the LUTCF, CLU and CFP. His final stint in the work field was with the State of SC in Social Services from which he retired after 14 years of service.

Tom enjoyed playing tennis for many years while living in Swainsboro, GA., and along with his wife, Marilyn, enjoyed maintaining a year-round beautifully landscaped yard full of beautiful flowers, roses, etc. in Greenville, SC. He had been an active member in the Greater Greenville Rose Society and assisted in putting on Rose Shows in the Carolina District. He also helped maintain the Shaw Rose Garden in Greenville. SC. He enjoyed cooking, grilling and looking forward to sharing his “concoctions” with family and friends and watching their reactions and hearing their comments about his latest recipe. He was an avid and loyal Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Falcons Fan.

In October 2015, Tom became involved with the Honor Flight Veteran Program. He went on the Military Honor flight to Washington, DC, and was responsible for two WWII Veterans from his neighborhood. In October 2016, he went again with another WWII Veteran. These trips meant the world to those Veterans and their families and to Tom knowing how much the Veterans and their families appreciated and trusted him to take care of their loved one while on these trips which may have been a once in a life time trip for most of these Veterans.

Tom leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Marilyn Jane Ingraham Parris, his cat, Rudder, (who spent many hours curled up in his lap over the 7 or so years they had together - many of which were spent watching the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Falcons play ball and some just plain ole “cat-napping”. Also left behind with loving, fond and fun memories of life with Tom are his older brother Robert Earl Parris of Laurens, SC, sisters-in-law Cheryl Parris (Robert) from Laurens, SC, Cindy Parris (Mike/deceased), of Woodruff, SC, Liane Louise Ingraham Hill of New York, Cheryl Elaine Ingraham Dover of Roebuck, SC, and Linda Yarborough Ingraham (Larry) of Gray Court, SC., 1 brother-in-law, Larry Thomas Ingraham of Gray Court, 4 nephews, 6 great nephews, 1 great-great step nephew, 6 nieces, 6 great nieces and numerous other relatives and great friends who will miss him greatly.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at the Ora Associate Presbyterian Church 23420 Hwy 221.

Visitation and refreshments will be held in the church’s social hall after the brief graveside service which will follow the service in the sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to The Ora ARP Church General Fund @23420 Hwy 221 Gray Court, SC 29645 OR to a Charity of one’s choice. On-line condolences may be sent to the family via www.cremation-sc.com (OR to individual family members if you have their “technical communication” information.)