William Parris

William Claude Parris passed away Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. Deeply rooted in the South, moved from Cartersville, Ga., to Chattanooga, to learn the art of neon glass blowing in the 40s. He became an entrepreneur, opening his own company, and was a highly regarded glass blower in the area for decades. In his free time he was an avid trout fisherman and still holds the Tellico River trophy for biggest brown trout. He was preceded in death by his father, of the same name; mother, Emma Isabelle Abernathy Smith; and wife, Margaret Chambers. He is survived by his children, Mark and Jenise Parris; sisters, Calene Mallard and Linda Hamby, and his nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was dearly loved by all. The reception will be held at Seminole Baptist Church, 1201 South Seminole Drive in East Ridge at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014.