Ted Lynn "Coach" Paris

Ted Paris, a "legend" in Vernon Parish education, lost a courageous two-and-a-half year battle with pancreatic cancer on  Saturday, December 25, 2010 at home surrounded by his loving family. 
Ted (Coach) Paris was born on March 22, 1934 to C.E. (Buddy) and Anne Sibley Paris in Leesville. He graduated from Leesville High School where he excelled in academics and sports. His success in football earned him an athletic scholarship to LSU in 1952. He was the first all-state football player from LHS and the first to ever play college football. Ted was a starting linebacker and center for the Tigers for four years, playing both offense and defense with an average of 57 minutes per game. He earned a B.S. degree from LSU, an M.Ed. from Northwestern State University, and an Educational Specialist from LSU.
He returned to Leesville after earning his Bachelor's degree to teach mathematics and coach. During his 32 years as an educator in Vernon Parish, Coach Paris served as head coach/athletic director at LHS leading his beloved Wampus Cats to their first district title in 1963. Ted was named district Coach of the Year.  He served in several administrative positions during his career in education. He was principal of Leesville High School, director of the Vernon Career Center and, finally principal of East Leesville Elementary School where he served for many years before retiring in 1988. During the time he was an administrator, he also taught mathematics in the adult education department of Vernon Parish and to the military personnel in the U.S.A.F.I. program. After retiring from teaching in Louisiana, he taught mathematics in Burkeville, Texas for five years and at Barbe High School in Lake Charles.
Coach Paris organized an implemented the first summer youth program for Vernon Parish in the summer of 1957. He served as the first commissioner of that program for four years. The program is still active today. 
He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Leesville for over 60 years. He served the Lord faithfully as a Bible teacher and deacon. For the past four years, he has been a member of Moss Bluff First Baptist Church. Ted read the Bible completely through eight times. He said he learned something different every time he read it. 
Ted was active in civic affairs and parish government. In 1979 Ted was elected to the Vernon Parish Police Jury where he served a four year term. In 1998 he was elected to the Vernon Parish School Board and served a four year term. During his life he was a member of the Jaycees, the Rotary Club and the N.H. Bray Masonic Lodge. 
Ted was an avid sports fan. Of course his favorite teams were the Wampus Cats, LSU Tigers, New Orleans Saints, and the Southeastern Lions where his grandson, Marshall, plays football as the starting left guard.  His passion for and success in athletics was due to his competitive spirit. He loved playing games and dominoes with friends and his grandkids. He seldom lost a game of dominoes. One of his favorite sayings was "A good loser is still a loser." Another favorite activity was drinking coffee with his ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) buddies in Leesville.
Ted was a man of integrity, a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His quick wit and great sense of humor made him a pleasure to be with. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
Ted is survived by his wife Sherry of 55 years; son Rev. Michael Paris and wife Ruthie of Moss Bluff; daughter, Dr. Nita A. Paris of Acworth, Ga.; grandson, Marshall Paris of Hammond; granddaughter, Mandy DuBose and husband Jake of Ragley; grandson, Matthew Paris and wife April and great grandson Blace Dever Paris all of Lake Charles; sister, Betty Cantrell and brother-in-law Travis of Jonesboro, Ga. Ted was preceded in death by his mother and father Anne and C.E. (Buddy) Paris and his brother, James (Jimmy) Paris.
A viewing and visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home, in Moss Bluff on Monday, Dec. 27, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitation and viewing is set again for 10 a.m. today, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Leesville until the time of service at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Rev. Wallace Palmer, Rev. John Burns and Rev. Jerry Penfield will be officiating. Burial will be at the Leesville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Ted Paris Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Merchants and Farmers Bank of Leesville or Lake Charles.  Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.