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Richard Parris Obituary
'Richie/Rich'
Mr. Parris, 46, of Charlotte, NC died unexpectedly after a brief illness on March 9, 2010.
Richie was born in Charlotte, NC, attended Providence Day School, and graduated from East Mecklenburg High School. He attended Appalachian State University and UNC Charlotte. Recently, Mr. Parris returned to school as a full-time student at CPCC pursuing a career in electronic engineering.
His first love was music, and in the 1990's he traveled to Los Angeles as a member of the Band 'Animal Bag', where the band signed a contract with Sony Records, produced albums, and toured the United State. His talents lay in writing, composing, and playing music, especially all types of stringed instruments, but particularly the guitar. He returned to Charlotte, and continued his love of music. He was currently with a new band, 'M4 Messenger' and looking forward to the release of their new album and performing with the band.
Richie had a love for all outdoors and was passionate about all outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing, and camping.
Rich is survived by his mother and father, Betsy and Richard Parris, Sr.; sister, Paige Cole and her husband, John; nieces, Kaitlyn and Sara Elizabeth, and the extended families of his aunts and uncles, Ruth and Jim Haney and Jackie and Alan Harms.
His love of family and friends, his humor, and his music will be sorely missed.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010 in the chapel of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service with the Reverend Alice A. Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of his parents.
'A light from our house is gone. A voice we loved is still. A place is vacant in our house. That never can be filled.'
Memorials may be made to Crisis Assistance Ministry, 500-A Spratt St. Charlotte, NC 28206.
Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd. Please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Parris
Stephanie Mosayebi
March 18, 2010
I only knew Rich for a short time and only saw him from time to time. He was a great person and easy to talk to. I can't believe he is gone. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts goes out to his family.
Timothy Key
March 16, 2010
I met Rich in classes last semester at CPCC. Immediatley I could tell that he was a great person. He was always easy to talk to and eager to help out a person in need. We shared common musical interests. He had shared some of his recently recorded music with me a couple of weeks ago and left me stunned at his talent. Incredible. I just found out that he had passed. He was noticably missed in class yeterday. Now He is really missed. Peace be with you and yours.
Evagelos Tsoulos
March 16, 2010
While I haven't known Rich for very long, I will always remember him. I was a fellow student of his at CPCC in the electrical engineering program. It's hard to believe that he's gone; it was so unexpected.
In class, he was the first to grasp the concepts we were learning. His questions were always intelligent, and as Dave said, very well thought out. He was great at explaining and simplifying the things we learned in class.
Out of class, he was a fun guy to hang out with. He had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help you out. We would often talk about designing guitar amplifiers, the reason that we were both in the program here at CPCC.
While I knew he was currently a guitarist in a band, I've never seen or heard him play. But I'll be looking for an Animal Bag CD so that I can listen to and remember my friend Rich.
My condolences,
Evagelos Tsoulos
Laura Henson
March 15, 2010
There have been a few people who have had the kind of influence in my life that actually helped form who I am today. Rich was that to me. He challenged my long held beliefs and pushed me to think differently without ever being condescending. Rich was not only a brilliant musician and hilarious friend, he was a radical thinker, well read and intelligent. He was much smarter than he let on much of the time. All this coupled with his compassionate heart makes him one of the best people I have known. You are missed here, Rich.
Fudd McKinney
March 14, 2010
To Rich's family,
I had not seen Rich in a couple of years but had heard he was doing really well. He was such a great guy and such a talented person. As a fellow musician, I know that when you pass so much joy to so many people, you bear a little of the pain yourself. But Rich always handled it with aplomb and grace. He was a light to me and many others and his light will continue to shine through the music he made and the friends who he made dear to him. My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow, but take solice in the fact that he made a joyful noise in his time with us. Godspeed my friend, and you and Boo better have a bluegrass number worked out when I come to see you!
Michael Honeycutt
March 13, 2010
To Rich I was just a stranger, but to Rich's music I am an old friend. Sincere condolences to those who were close to him. You will be in my thoughts as I listen to his music today.
Christine Andrews
March 13, 2010
There are no words that truly express the loss I feel over Rich's passing. Though we have not been in touch for over 10 years, he has been an ever-present part of my life.
I feel fortunate to have had the precious short time I did with him. My relationship with him was life changing for me and I'm forever thankful to him.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family. Please know what a positive affect Rich had on me and on our mutual friends.
He was and is a shining light.
Dave Ross
March 12, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Parris;
I was so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
He was a student of mine at CPCC in the Electrical Engineering Technology program.
He was an excellent student and had one of the highest averages in my class.
He was very involved in his studies. He always asked very thoughtful and well considered questions. His work was always of quality.
I always thought Rich to be such a considerate,kind,and likeable person.
He will be missed.
Dave-Charlotte
Meilani
March 12, 2010
To Rich's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I was a friend during his L.A. years. May his current journey be filled with love and music.
Ashley Szczukowski
March 12, 2010
Wow, it is always hard to accept news such as this, although I am sure that Rich will be very well received in Heaven. My thoughts are with the family and friends of whom will be greatly affected. Although I no longer live close enough to join in the upcoming services, I promise that I will listening to his music all weekend long!
Prayer and sympathy...
Pat and Wayne Shusko
March 12, 2010
Betsy and Dick,
Pat and I are so sorry to learn of Ritchie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you deal with this difficult time. We wish we were there to give you both hugs and kisses. Please know that we will be thinking of you over the next few days, weeks and longer.
Love you both,
Wayne and Pat Shusko
Christina Spillars
March 12, 2010
Richie's passing is such shocking, sudden, and sad news. I am thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers as you mourn this tremendous loss. My deepest sympathy.
Tana Sivick
March 12, 2010
Dear Family,
Although it has been years since have seen Rich I thought of him often. May his memory live on in your hearts. Thinking of you and praying for you.
Benji Rogers
March 12, 2010
Rich,
Though I knew you only for a short time our music seemed like we knew each other forever. Your craft was fined tuned and it was pleasure to be able to make music with you. You are simply the best and that will never be fogotten!!
To Rich's family, he was loved and will be missed by many, we all share in your lost of this great soul.
Rich, Heaven has a new player!! I will miss you, Rest in the Peace that you deserve.
Your Drummer and more important your Friend,
Benji
Lynda and Wayne Munn
March 12, 2010
We are thinking of you, Dick and Betsy, in this time of sorrow. I know that God will see you through, and that the memories that Richie left behind will always be with you.
March 11, 2010
I had met Rich when I was only 15 years old. We quickly became best friends. He had a brillant mind and was always struggling to be the best he could in spite of life's challenages. We went through a lot together. I will miss him greatly. My heart goes out to Betsy and Dick. Rich will always be in my heart. ........Scott Shields
Scott Shields
March 11, 2010
I had met Rich when I was only 15 years old. We quickly became best friends. He had a brillant mind and was always struggling to be the best he could in spite of life's challenages. We went through a lot together. I will miss him greatly. My heart goes out to Betsy and Dick. Rich will always be in my heart. ........Scott Shields
March 11, 2010
Betsy & Dick, although we never met Richie, we enjoyed hearing about him and know that he leaves a legacy of love for his family and the world as well as music that will live in many hearts forever. Richie is not lost but will remain in the loving memories of many people.
Stevie & Gary Book
March 11, 2010
Betsy & Dick, although we never met Richie, we enjoyed hearing about him and know that he leaves a legacy of love for his family and the world as well as music that will live in many hearts forever. Richie is not lost but will remain in the loving memories of many people.
corinna arlington
March 11, 2010
I am stunned ,shocked and so sad. this man had a pure soul. when you were in his presents you felt blessed. richie I WILL MISS YOU.
Gaston MacMillan
March 11, 2010
Rich, my friend; what a full life. full of friends, full of family, full of music and adventure. We will all miss you, so much.
Michelle Justice
March 11, 2010
The world will miss Richie's magical music. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and my life enriched by his friendship. Safe travels on the other side gentle one.
Beth brown
March 11, 2010
Such a brilliant, beautiful, multi-talented, loving soul...an inspiration in so many different ways to so many people. I feel so truly blessed to have "known" him and will hold him in my heart forever. Much love to his family that he loved so very much.
Lillie Dailey
March 11, 2010
Long-time friend, Rich was always a seeker. Intelligent and wise, free-spirited and fun. He had an amazing gift with music and it was the driving passion in his life. He will be missed so much by so many! My prayers go to his family, he loved them so much!
D'Andrea Caskey
March 11, 2010
I have loved you Rich, and have loved your family, since the day we met such a long time ago. Not a day has passed since, that you have not been in my thoughts. I cannot express the sorrow that I am feeling, knowing that the sorrow that your family is feeling must be condensed a thousand fold. I am who I am because of you, and, I am grateful to you. Oh, Rich, where is the music? My love forever, Dee
Sonya Hamby
March 11, 2010
Rich was an amazing person, musician, & friend. He will be missed by so many. Those of us blessed enough to know him, will forever be better for it.
William Norment
March 11, 2010
Rich was not only a truly gifted musician who entertained and inspired so many of us, but a kind soul with a great sense of humor. Rich was loved by many and his absence will be keenly felt. Rich's family is in my thoughts.
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