Tony James Parris

Tony James Parris 91, of Alexander, went to be with his Lord on Sunday October 26th 2014. Tony was born in Buncombe County on September 26, 1923 to the late James Ervin and Delia Haney Parris. He lived in Buncombe County all of his life. He was a 1941 graduate of French Broad where he never missed a day of school. Tony was a loving and faithful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He was preceded in death by sisters Edith and Gladys Parris, Lillian Redmon and Ora Sluder and by brothers Dennis, Glenn and Clayton Parris. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Kathleen Haney Parris; son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Sheila Parris of Leicester and sister, Jennie Sluder of Alexander. Tony served with valor in WWII. He arrived in the European Theater of operations in August of 1943 and fought until October of 1945. Tony served on the front lines in the battles of Naples, Foggia, Rome, Southern France and the Rhineland. During his service Tony was wounded and awarded several medals including a purple heart. Tony was a charter member of Alexander Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a member of the choir and Deacon. For many years Tony served others by repairing their heating and cooling systems. After retiring from that profession, Tony worked many more years for the postal service in Alexander. His funeral service will be held at 11am Tuesday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Reverends Gerald Sprinkle and Randy Sluder officiating. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Alexander Baptist Church. At other times the family will be at the home of Wayne and Sheila Parris. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Alexander Baptist Church, 1179 Old Highway 20, Alexander, N.C. 28701.