Roger Eugene Parris

Roger Eugene Parris, age 68 of Sylva NC, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 30, 2020.   He was the son of the late Jeter and Mary (Jones) Parris and was born July 29, 1952. 

Roger was a lifelong resident of Jackson County and loved the mountains in which he was born and raised.  He was a graduate of Sylva Webster High School and Southwestern Community College where he was valedictorian.  He worked at Skyland Textile, was manager at two Western Steere restaurants, and was manager/supervisor of the IT department of Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.  He retired from Harris Regional after 30 years of dedicated service at which time he enjoyed camping, gardening, sports and family time. He also was a lifetime member of the Optimist Club.

Roger was a surrogate grandparent along with Nell to multiple generations of nieces and nephews for both the Parris and Jamison families.  Roger and Nell liked to spoil them by taking them camping, fishing, on trips, etc.  He  had a gift of hospitality and was known for hosting large gatherings and serving vast quantities of delicious food.

Roger will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Nell (Jamison) Parris; sisters, Evelyn Frizzell Buchanan (Bill) of Sylva, Dorothy “Dot” Southards of High Point NC, Joyce Dills of Huntersville, NC; brother Jack Parris (Alice) of Lincolnton, NC; special nephew, George Frizzell, Jr. of Sylva; in-laws, Bill Jamison of Morristown, TN, Harold Jamison (Darlene) of Sylva, Linda Lowman of Asheville NC, Sandy Henson (Jimmy) of Weddington NC; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, George Frizzell, Sr., Don Southards, Claude Dills, Larry “Tootie” Jamison, Brenda Jamison; and nephew, Jack Dale Parris.

Private burial arrangements at Fairview Memorial Gardens have been entrusted to Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva NC.  A Celebration of Roger’s Life will be announced at a later time.