Richard "Rick" James Parris

Richard James Parris, born on October 11, 1946, in Louisville, KY, transitioned fully into the Lord’s presence on July 20, 2025, in Columbus, OH. Rick lived a life marked by love, kindness, faith, and great joy in serving others.

Rick was the beloved son of Herman and Katherine Parris, who preceded him in death along with his siblings, sister Laverne (Maurice) Zaepfel, brother Hap (Bernadette) Parris, and sisters Peggy (Lee) Hornung and Kathy (Bob) Widman. Despite the loss of his family, Rick carried their legacy with him throughout his life, influencing everyone he met with his gentle spirit.

On December 26, 1966, Rick married the love of his life, Susan. Their marriage was a loving partnership in ministry, which lasted nearly six decades. Together, they raised a family grounded in faith and values. Rick is survived by his devoted wife, Susan, his daughter Lisa George and her husband, Scott, and his son Todd Parris and his wife, Carrie. He was a proud grandfather to Nicole Scarboro and her husband John, Stephen George, Esther George, Virginia Parris, and Aurora Parris, all of whom he cherished very deeply.

Remembered as a gift from His Father to family, friends, and others. Rick was a giver; a giver of hope and entrepreneurial steadfastness to small business owners; a giver of time in past seasons to the Boy Scouts of America and LifeWise Academy in Ohio; a giver of faith to his family; a giver of a solitary place of worship at Doe Run Retreat in Coshocton County, Ohio; a giver of encouragement and prayer to numerous ministries; a giver of unconditional love to Susan.

Rick's education was rooted in his entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to help others. He earned a degree in Business & Commerce from the University of Louisville, became an ordained minister, and later obtained a master’s degree in Christian Education from Kingsway Christian College and Theological Seminary. His professional life as both a business consultant and minister allowed him to touch many lives, offering guidance with a characteristic gentleness that endeared him to those around him.

Throughout his life, Rick was known for his unwavering faith and commitment to worshiping God. He dedicated much of his time to serving others through ministry, finding joy in uplifting those in need. His gentle demeanor and loving nature made him a beacon of hope and comfort to many. Rick was not only a husband, father, and grandfather but also a friend, mentor, and community member who exemplified what it meant to be kind and selfless.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Rick's life at 2:00 PM on August 23, 2025, at Call To Holiness Ministries, located at 6645 London Groveport Rd, Grove City, OH 43123.

Any desired contribution could be made to the Kobacker House hospice facility. Contributions can be made through the following link: https://giving.ohiohealth.com/site/Donation2?idb=1011021334&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=2&df_id=3203&mfc_pref=T&3203.donation=form1&idb=0