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Curtis Paris Obituary
PARIS, JR.,
CURTIS WILLIAM
Mr. Curtis William Paris, Jr., was born September 11, 1947, to Rev. and Mrs. Curtis William Paris, Sr. He began his educational journey in the public schools of Duval County and graduated from Northwestern Junior Senior High School in 1965. Curtis continued his education at Alabama State University, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and played baritone in the Marching Hornets band, until being drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Military Police. After completing his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was a member of the first graduating class of the University of North Florida.
On February 25, 1971, Curtis married the love of his life Jacquelyn Legette and to this union one son, Calvin William Paris, was born.
In 1980, he and Jacquelyn began the McDonald's training program and were awarded their first restaurant in 1982 in Atlanta, Georgia. Together, they built the foundation for what would become a career spanning more than 35 years of franchise ownership and entrepreneurship.
On Saturday, July 18, 2015, Curtis departed his earthly life and reunited with his parents and younger brother, Alonzo Paris, who preceded him in death. His life and legacy will be cherished by his wife and Queen of his heart, Jacquelyn Legette Paris; son, Calvin William Paris (Annette); Sisters, Brenda P. Whitfield and Janice P. Hice (Alexander); Mother-in-law, Mrs. Edith Legette; Aunt, Mercedes Flennoy; Godmother, Ms. Johnnie Mae Hopkins and a host of loving relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass for Mr. Paris will be held 2:00pm, Monday, July 27, 2015, at Saint Augustine Church, 1738 W. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, 32603. The family will receive visitors at the church on Sunday, July 26, 2015 from 7-8pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Gainesville or the Reichert House in Gainesville.
'A CHESTNUT SERVICE'
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Paris
November 25, 2015
Hi Jackie this is Allison I found out from April sorry for your lost,hope all is well with you and Calvin praying for you guys.
Allison Hill Palmer Darien ,Ga
August 25, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sandra Shuler (Boykin)
August 1, 2015
Mrs Jackie an Calvin. I am sorry to hear about Mr.Curtis.I will keep you all in my prayers.From the time I knew him he presented himself as a very good man.I know you all will be alright because you an Calvin are very strong people.God makes no mistakes in what he do.you love him but God loves more ,just give God the glory an know everything will be alright.BE BLESSED..
Sandra Shuler (Boykin)
August 1, 2015
Mrs Jackie an Calvin. I am sorry to hear about Mr.Curtis.I will keep you all in my prayers.From the time I knew him he presented himself as a very good man.I know you all will be alright because you an Calvin are very strong people.God makes no mistakes in what he do.you love him but God loves more ,just give God the glory an know everything will be alright.BE BLESSED..
Larry Rawls,Sr.
July 31, 2015
To the Paris Family, May your memories of the wonderful times you have shared with your Husband, Father,and Brother bring you peace in this your season. May the peace of God be with you and your love ones, and bring you comfort to you and your family, today and always.
July 31, 2015
Always a class act.A true gentleman,so sorry
Heather Ellis
July 31, 2015
Jackie and Calvin my deepest condolences to you both. I was shocked to read this. It was an honor to work for him. I will always remember him as sincere and a gentleman. I am so sorry.
Lynn Vineyard Miller
July 31, 2015
Jackie,
I am so very sorry for your sudden loss! I know that you are heart broken. Curtis was such a nice gentleman. I know he must have been a wonderful husband and father also. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May he rest in peace with family members who are already above!
Lynn Miller
Cheryl Freeman
July 31, 2015
Jackie and Calvin,
Please accept my prayers and condolences on Curtis' passing. The three of you have been extended family in my life for many, many years and supported me during many phases of my life. Those memories will burn eternally in my heart.
July 30, 2015
Jackie,
My prayer is that you and your family through your strong faith and love for each other find comfort during this difficult time.
Charlotte Dutton
Jack & JoRhee Pezold
July 30, 2015
Jackie, I am saddened and shocked to hear of Curtis's passing. He was always the consummate gentleman and I know you and your family will miss him. JoRhee and I will be praying for you and your family that God's healing mercy will soothe and strengthen your heart. Very Best Regarde, jack pezold
John Hurt
July 30, 2015
With deepest sympathies to Jackie & Family..We will surely miss our Friend and fellow dedicated O/O Curtis...
God Bless....John & Shiroleen Hurt
Janet Burton
July 29, 2015
Dear Jackie,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will miss Curtis very much. He was a great leader and always gave RMHC and the families we serve his very best. With Love and Gratitude for all that Curtis shared ~ the RMHC Global team
Leon and Renee Austin-Harris
July 28, 2015
Jackie,
We were indeed sadden when we learned of Curtis' passing. It was a pleasure sharing time with him during our recent class reunion. Please accept our sincere condolences.
May the memories of what has been described as a "SUPER COUPLE" remain in your mind and heart always!
Prayerfully,
Leon and Renee Austin Harris
July 27, 2015
Job well done, old classmate, love and sympathy to family and friends, Myra Guyton Jones, Atlanta, Ga.
Joel and Connor Stengel
July 27, 2015
Jackie and Calvin, we are so sorry for your loss, and we considered Curtis a great friend.
Adriana & Jason Goode
July 27, 2015
Our hearts go out to you and your family in this time of loss. We keep your family in our prayers.
Jan and JM Owens
July 27, 2015
Our hearts ache as we pray for your strength and comfort. We love you.
Charter Members- Kappa Kappa Psi
Mr W Rayford Johnson
July 27, 2015
Alabama State University
Marching Hornets
Montgomery, Alabama
EXPRESS OF CONDOLENCE
for
MR. CURTIS WILLIAM PARIS, JR.
(1947-2015)
August 1965, Curtis Paris arrived in Montgomery, Alabama on Grey Hound bus from Jacksonville, Florida with Harry Sermon, Walter Clyde Orange, Robert Williams, Russell Anderson and other recruits from Central Florida to Alabama State College. Their arrival was five months after Bloody Sunday, March from Selma to Montgomery, which depicted contentious attitudes toward African Americans during this time of Civil Rights Movement.
Alabama State College President, Dr. Levi Watkins had hired Mr. Thomas E. Lyle, Jr. as Director of Bands in 1964, with task of developing Marching and Symphonic Bands similar to Florida A & M University, where Mr. Lyle had been Assistant Director of Bands. Curtis played sousaphone in Marching Hornets Band and tuba in Symphonic Band. He was known by his friends as Butch. His freshman class or crabs (as freshmen band members were called), was the first recruits to comprise The Marching 100 all male, fast cadence, high knee lift, pointed toe, with precision movement and powerful sounding Marching Hornets Band.
As member of Marching Hornets, Butch traveled throughout southeast performing in Atlanta, Nashville, Jackson, Mississippi and Birmingham, to name a few venues. In December, 1967, Alabama State Marching Hornets traveled to New York City via train, to perform at Shea Stadium for National Football League New York Jets vs. Kansas City Chiefs half-time show, which was broadcast from start to finish on NBC television. Marking first time an entire half-time show had been broadcast coast-to-coast on national television.
Curtis was Business Administration major, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Faternity, Inc., charter member of Epsilon Gamma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, established Spring of 1967 and Business Club.
In 1969, he and many of his friends were drafted into United States Military, which interupted completing a college degree for many Marching Hornets. Curtis was denied to play in Military Band because he served as Military Police, which was in great need during war. In 1971, while in Vietnam, three members of Alabama State Marching Hornets, who had marched together a few short years before, had an amazing reunion. Russell Anderson, United States Air Force, was processing soldiers return to United States, who had violated regulations. Upon his arrival to jail for processing, the Military Policeman was Curtis Paris, United States Army. Having departed area of processing, his next stop was Post Office to mail orders, where Russell discovered the person in mail room to be John Gibson, United States Air Force (Marching Hornet from Jacksonville, Florida). What a reunion!
As Chaplain of Alabama State University Marching Hornets (1967-70), member of tuba section (1966-70), on behalf of late Dr. Thomas E. Lyle, Jr., Director of Bands and all Marching Hornets, we express our condolences to Jacquelyn, Calvin and Paris family as Mr. Curtis William Paris, Jr. has transitioned. My God continue to bless you!
Sempre Avanti - Always Forward
Mr. W Rayford Johnson
Alabama State Marching Hornets Band Chaplain
3010 Holly Lane North
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
763-476-8407
July 27, 2015
We pray that God will continue to strengthen you and the family during this period of transition. God will give you guidance and direction on this journey.
John A. and Johnnie Mae Gibson
Cheryl Witsell Hill
July 27, 2015
To the Paris Family,
My prayers go out to your family and I hope time will help you to get through these sad days.
Minnie Williams
July 27, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Shirley Paris-Taliaferro
July 27, 2015
I'm so sorry. Stay strong God loves you
Julie LeVake
July 27, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
LaErika Jones-Townsend
July 27, 2015
I send my deepest sympathy to the family., rest in peace mr Curtis I will always remember your smile.
Tommie Wells Smiley
July 26, 2015
Jackie and Calvin,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It was such a blessing to have been in your and Curtis presence at our 50th reunion. Hold on to God's unchanging hands and remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Ken Reid
July 26, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathy
louise lesesne
July 26, 2015
May the Lord keep your family in perfect peace in such Times as these
louise lesesne
July 26, 2015
May the Lord keep your family in perfect peace in such Times as these
Laura and Myles GaythwAite
July 26, 2015
May God's love and years of fond memories keep you strong.
Pamela Clayton
July 26, 2015
My deepest condolences ,praying for God's strength for the family. Love you all dearly.
July 25, 2015
Sorry for your loss my prays are with you.
Lori
July 25, 2015
Jackie and Calvin, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family members are in our thoughts and prayers. Pastor Alvin and Maggiemarie Armstrong.
July 25, 2015
verry sorry for your loss he will be missed
but god love him best so he call him home to
rest my god your faimly. from mr john booth,joe dell gainesville fla.
Samantha Bluhm
July 25, 2015
A great man you were. It was an honor to work for you and I will miss you.
ROSA L. WILLIAMS
July 25, 2015
May God Bless you and keep you forever in his loving arms.
Ken Davis
July 25, 2015
Thank You and your Family for you did in this community and will continue to do.Your present will be missed.May GOD continue to BLESS your Family.
July 25, 2015
Quite, dignified, focused with a warm and friendly smile...that's how I remember you. Forever, Ken
Tabatha Roberts
July 25, 2015
You were a sweet and compassionate man. Whom always had a smile and a sense of humor. You will be missed not only by family but by Gainesville as well. Peace to you. And we will see you again walking the streets of gold.
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