Damascus, Virginia
Mr. Maurice “Maw” Harless Parris, age 79, a well-known resident of Damascus, Virginia passed away at his home on Friday, December 16, 2022 with his family by his side. He was born on November 6, 1943 the son of the late Thomas Bradley Parris and Nadie Lee Heath Parris. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Roger “Dodge” Parris and a nephew, Kenny Parris. He graduated from Damascus High School in 1961 and was employed by Johnston Memorial Hospital as a purchasing agent for over 40 years.
He was very active in the community as starting the Damascus Little League along with the late Fred Surber and late Vester Stamper in 1968 and stayed active in coaching for many years. He became the mayor of Damascus in 1986 and a member of the Town Council for many years. He served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Damascus Fire Department and was involved with the Liberty Hall Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. He lived his life as an avid L.A. Dodgers fan and never had a son of his own that played baseball but he never missed watching a game on TV or at Backer Park in Damascus.
Survivors include his loving wife, Bonnie Perdue Parris of the home; two loving daughters, Rebecca Parris and Jennifer Parris Turner and her husband Kermit, two brothers, J. D. Parris and William “Joe” Parris; three very special grandchildren, Haley Turner, Emily Kestner and husband Justin and Blake Turner; two loving Great Grandchildren, Kenleigh Kestner and Kendall Kestner.
His wishes are to have a Graveside Service on Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Zion Cemetery in Damascus, Virginia at 2:00 P.M. with Minister Anthony Miller officiating. Masonic services will be conducted at the Graveside by the Liberty Hall Masonic Lodge # 104. Active pallbearers will be Malcolm Perdue, John Perdue III, Jason Parris, Michael Parris, Clay Seymore, Zane Seymore. Honorary Pallbearers will be Todd Baker, Tom Hayes, Jim Bishop, Tom McGlamery, Mike Anderson, James Anderson, and Members of both the Liberty Hall Lodge #104 and The Damascus Volunteer Fire Department. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in Mr. Parris memory to the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 426, Damascus, Virginia 24236.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is very honored to serve the family of Mr. Maurice “Maw” Parris.