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Paris AIKEN Obituary
He was preceded in death by his son, Paris Robert Aiken IV; and his father, Paris Robert Aiken Jr.
Paris was a longtime civil war reenactor. He was a member of several units including the 53rd Virginia Infantry, the Petersburg City Guard of the Independent Volunteer Rifles and he was a drummer with the Liberty Hall Fife and Drum Corps.
He served his country in the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga.
Paris worked For Historic Jamestown and had been employed as a 17th Century Carpenter and Shipwright. He was a master carpenter and cabinet maker.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Kay Aiken; two daughters, Alicia Aiken Mrdutt and her husband, Jay, and Victoria Aiken Szafraniec; and three grandchildren, Faith, Andy and T.J. He also is survived by his mother, Helen Aiken; brothers, Jeff, Tim and Scott Aiken; sisters, Lisa Wrightson and Gretchen Arndt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, at R. Haden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton, Va. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at Parklawn Memorial Cemetery. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paris AIKEN
Christopher Findlay
December 20, 2024
Your still missed my brother
Christopher Findlay
December 20, 2021
Its still hard to believe that your not with us my brother I keep you alive by always having you in my thoughts and heart
Hollywood Second lieutenant
December 20, 2019
Still missing you.
Jerry Foss
January 19, 2010
The last words Paris told me over the phone were "Miss you and I love you" I told him the same thing, adding "You ol' Pirate! But now I say "Wait up Paris, I'm not too far behind! Can't wait to meet up with you on the other side." Looking forward to it, but like you, I guess I'll wait until that time comes, which I'm sure it will." Miss you and I love you. Till later. Jerry, your ol' friend. Till later!
Rick Britton
January 5, 2010
Paris was a good soldier & a great Sgt. Maj. Most of all, I'll remember him as a friend. His family is in my thoughts & prayers.
Heather Scruggs
January 2, 2010
It has been years but I will never forget Mr Aiken's love of civil war nick nacks and such. Always a kind big heart he had. Although I haven't seen or really talked to you guys in years you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.
Christopher Findlay
January 1, 2010
Dear Kay,Alicia Tory, My father and I are heartbroken and pray for you and Paris May god bless you all
Christopher
Boyd Miles
December 31, 2009
My condolences to the family, I am truly sorry to hear of your loss.
Phyllis Flanders
December 30, 2009
Dear Pete, My heart goes out to you in your loss. Please know that you and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
April
December 29, 2009
All things aside - I always had fond memories of Paris, he was a good man and a southern gentleman. He always treated everyone with the utmost respect. My heart goes out to Kay, Alicia, Tori, his grandchildren, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May God Bless you all. Heaven has truly received one of its own.
Jessica Garver
December 28, 2009
Dear Kay,Alicia and Tory,
I will always remember Paris for his funny conversations and great all around person to be around. I remember the first time I ever met him and I laughted because as a child my aunt took my brother and I to a reenactment and I met Paris and my aunt took a picture with the three of us. Well back in sixth grade I met my best friend Tory (Paris's daughter)... When I would come over Paris would be sitting in the living room and I would sit down and start up a conversation with him and I loved listening to him talk about the state wars and I will miss coming over and listen to his stories... I will miss Paris but I know his stories will live in my heart.
megan gunter
December 28, 2009
Heaven has gain another solider and true southern gentlemen.I grew up with his daughter victoria and i must say he showed me how a true gentlemen should treat a lady. I remember looking at hi canons and hearing stories of the war between the states. He will be truly missed. my sympthys to victoria and ms kay and alicia
Bill Hancock
December 28, 2009
Paris was wonderful at explaining the details of historic carpentry to visitors at Jamestown-Yorktown. A true gift for the 'gab', which was a vital tool on the job. His real passion for interpretation was so reflected in his life and interest.
James Harter
December 28, 2009
Southern gentlemen are a dying breed, and the ranks of the few become leaner with my comrades passing. Missed and long remembered.
December 28, 2009
Dear Kay and family,
We were sorry to hear of Paris's passing. Walter spoke alot about him through the years and we are sure he will be truly missed by all of his friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Walter and Debbie Taylor
Trevor Szafraniec
December 28, 2009
Paris was a loving husband, father, and supportive father-in-law. When I asked your daughter for her hand in marriage, you expressed to me, just treat her right. I failed you and I am sorry for that. I just want to express that just knowing you has taught me a little bit about the importance of family and love. God bless and to the Aiken clan I am truly sorry for your loss.
Rick Bright
December 28, 2009
Dear Kay, Pete and the entire Aiken family. I am deeply saddened to hear of Paris' sudden passing. I will always remember the many hours of fun we all shared as children in the neighborhood. They are truly great memories. I wear a tiny scar proudly in "Punkins" honor, from our first frisbee (paint can lid). I know he will be missed. God bless you all,
David Niebuhr
December 28, 2009
Thanks for sharing Paris with us, his historical friends, for so many weekends of authenticity, singing, laughing, drinking, and story-telling.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all...
Harry Dryer
December 27, 2009
A longtime friend and fellow Skirmisher, I remember Paris as one of those folks you truly enjoyed being around. A fun-loving, intelligent, southern gentleman if there ever was one. His experience and vast knowledge of our shared interests made for some great conversations. My sincere condolenses to wife Kay and the entire family.
Gary Littlepage
December 27, 2009
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Paris' passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family. I grew up in Hampton on Cynthia drive and went to school with Jeff. I took drum lessons from Paris in the 60's and I like to think he would have been both surprised and pleased to know I'm still playing and expanding on the fundamentals he instilled. Rest in Peace drummer.
Bob Yates
December 27, 2009
Paris will be missed. He was a fun person and I will always remember him playing the old "washtub" bass at skirmishes in the old days. Our deepest sympathy to Kay and the girls.
Tommy Wood
December 27, 2009
Paris, You were my Brother from the day we met, I Love your Memory!
Claudia Rosen
December 27, 2009
Gone so soon...
What a great man and Soldier you were.
you will surely be missed Rest in Peace my old friend.
Claudia Little Rosen
Rick Yates
December 27, 2009
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Paris. We shared many good times together... many years ago. We "partied" together on many occasions back when he was Skirmishing. We drank, played music and sang together. At least we called it singing. I know he will be missed by all that have known him.
Rick Johnson
December 27, 2009
Paris, I didn't know you well, but I now regret not having made a point of getting to know you better. I really enjoyed our conversations. We were both drummers, loved to study the War Between the States, and both American by birth and Southern by the grace of God. God bless you and keep you, Paris Aiken.
December 27, 2009
I remember Paris as a hard worker with a sense of humor. He was also a teacher in a sense. He loved working with the public. He strove for accuracy in his historical interpretations. He was unforgettable and a great person to know. - Regards, Zack Loesch
Scott Kizer
December 27, 2009
Paris- You are my friend and my mentor, I will miss you dearly.
53rd Co.K Inf. Vol.
December 27, 2009
May the Good Lord hold and protect Kay and the Aiken Family in their time of need
Clyde A. Murphy
December 27, 2009
To the Aiken Family,
I grew up with the Aiken family, living one street over as a young man. I am sad today for a life taken away; knowing this time of the year is especially hard to experience loss.
Jeffery Kevin, was one of my best friends growing up and I spent a fair amount of time on Cynthia Drive, trying to stay out of trouble.
I remember Paris as a veteran and pay tribute to his service to our country, and to his wife and family, I send my condolences.
To Jeff, "Timmy", Scott, Gretchen and Lisa, I'm sorry for your loss; and to Ms. Helen, I can only imagine...
I remember times past with a smile on my face, and hope memories of a better time will guide you through this tough time.
Regards,
Scott Aiken
December 27, 2009
Here's to Pairs R. Aiken III, A Man, A Husband, A Father, A Brother, A Soldier, A Musician, A Comrade, A Friend, who Honestly, and Passionately, beleived 100% in everything he said and did here on earth. To Kay, Alicia, Victoria, and all the family and friends we will miss him dearly. My only comfort is that he will be reunited with his son Paris IV, and our Father Paris Jr., in the heavens above. God Bless us all
The Keevers
December 26, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the Aiken family. I will surely miss our backyard conversations.I will continue to feed your dog Buck.May you rest in Gods loving care now.
December 26, 2009
Paris,
You will be missed Comrade,and Charles City is now missing anouther of her adopted sons, Rest in Peace messmate, and my condolences to his family and all of the rest of his "family" at large.
REST IN PEACE MESSMATE!
Chris Clark,
Charles City, Virginia
Stephen Thornton
December 26, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the family. This tragic event has left enormous holes in so many lives.
I love you, Paris. Eternally.
Chuck C
December 26, 2009
You have our deepest sympathies
Surgeon Chuck.
2nd SC Field Hospital
John Cummings
December 26, 2009
I shall remember the times we shared and the wisdom you imparted.
Delores McClean
December 26, 2009
Dear Pete, Jeff, Tim, Lisa, Gretchen:
My heart is with you. I know that "Punkin" is in good hands and good company. In my mind, he is a young boy playing in the backyard with my brothers and other neighborhood kids. Your special memories will get you through the tough times. Love, Delores
Becky New Morrison
December 26, 2009
Thanks for all the great musical memories...I'll never forget you...
Chelsea Taylor
December 26, 2009
I will always remember my Uncle Paris for his sillyness and loving nature. Last year at Christmas he played the drums on Rockband with my cousins and I. He had so much fun playing with us. All of my love to Kay, Alicia and Tory. I will miss him.
Chelsea Taylor
December 26, 2009
I will always remember my uncle for his sillyness and loving nature. Last christmas he was playing the drums on Rockband with all of my cousins. It is a memory I will hold close to me. He was so happy to play with us.
Gary Adams
December 26, 2009
Paris was one of the finest people I ever had the pleasure knowing, honest beyond belief. Just last week he was trying to come see me in the hospital in the midst of everything. A true Southron and one of the last Confederate Soldiers, God I'll miss him.
Christopher Findlay
December 26, 2009
I will miss you my brother and love you always ...
Christopher Findlay
14 Pecan cir
LongBeach
Mississippi
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