Rev. James W. Parris

Reverend James William Parris               December 19, 1942 - February 4, 2026

Reverend James William Parris, 83, passed away peacefully in his home in Greenwood, South Carolina on February 4, 2026, surrounded by his family and devoted wife of 58 years, Linda Carol Westfield Parris.

Born in Charleston, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Calvin Louis and Anna Lou Parris.

Rev. Parris attended High Point School in Charleston and College Hill High School in Cleveland, graduating in 1961. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army serving his duty in Germany for three years. As a United States Veteran, upon returning home he had a desire to serve his city and community. He was elected to Charleston City Commission in August 1968 and was the first African American elected to the Commission. Rev. Parris also served on the Charleston Volunteer Fire Department. Rev. Parris was president of the NAACP Bradley County Branch and was a devoted lifetime member of the NAACP. He was also a founding member of 100 Black Men of Bradley County and served on numerous civic boards and organizations throughout his life. He was employed for 30 years with Swing Transport, beginning as a driver and rising through the ranks to become a successful terminal manager.

Rev. Parris attended Mount Eagle Baptist Church, Charleston, TN, and accepted Christ at the age of 9. As a young man, he worked with diligence at his church. Prior to his call into the ministry, he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Choir member, and President of the Laymen Ministry. He attended Cleveland State Community College and Lee University and graduated from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia in 1997. He was installed as pastor of Star Bethel Baptist Church in June 2001, where he faithfully served for over 23 years. During his pastoral tenure, Rev. Parris served one term as Moderator of the Loudon District Baptist Association.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are his son, William Brent Parris (Monica) of Greenwood, SC; daughter, Shauna Rae Samuel (Bryan) of Meridianville, AL; affectionately known as “Pop-Pop” to grandchildren Adriana Nicole Brooks (Brad), James Austin Wright, Abigail Leah Augustine (William), and Bryan Alexander Samuel; two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Ava Brooks; sister, Sharon Jarrett (Wayne) of Charleston, TN, sister-in-law, Pat Davis of Ooltewah, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by sister, Phyllis Ann Leonard, brother-in-law, Howard Felton Leonard, brother, Edward Louis Parris, and great-granddaughter, Adele Nicole Brooks.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee, with Reverend Edward Robinson, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Garden with repast immediately following at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.