John Calvin Parris

John Calvin Parris, of Lebanon, Virginia, was welcomed into his heavenly home on Friday, August 22, 2025.He was born on October 25, 1948, and grew up in Damascus, Virginia. At the age of 12, he moved with his family to Lebanon, where he continued to live with his wife and daughters for the rest of his life. John was a hardworking man. He worked in the coal mines, home construction, and later with CNX Gas. He loved fishing, supporting Lebanon High School sports, and spending time at Isle of Palms, South Carolina. He was also a devoted fan of America’s Team, the Atlanta Braves.

John was strong, loyal, funny, consistent, dependable, and always took pride in everything he did. He believed in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. He was a charter member of Lebanon Community Fellowship (LCF), where he played a monumental role in helping construct the church’s foundation—both physically and spiritually. He enjoyed traveling with Kitty and never missed a chance to support his grandchildren in sports and theater across Middleburg, FL; Rome, GA; White Pine, TN; and Lebanon, VA—and many places in between.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Bertram Parris, and his mother, Frances McVey Parris. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 56 years, Peggy Louise “Kitty” Parris; and his children: Tracey Jones (Todd), Terri Garrett (Duane), and Toni Jill Cox (Chad). He was a proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren: Jake Jones (Julieboo), Juli Jones Belcher (Michael), Joie Jones Whitaker (Ty), Jill Jones, Molly Cox, Luke Garrett, Cooper Cox, and Brody Cox. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Josie Mae Jones, Jackson Parris Jones, and Jett Allen Belcher. John is also survived by his siblings: sisters Joyce Cornett (Rex) and Arlene “Teek” Plaster (Jack), and brother Andy Parris (Chanel), along with many close cousins and extended family.

John will forever be remembered as the Great White Chief, Dad, and Papaw—a man who loved to help anyone and could fix anything… except a broken heart. He was also remembered as a HERO to some, a HELPER to many, a HUMOROUS prankster, and a HUMBLE servant of the Lord. He was a great friend and coworker, a devoted father, a supportive and encouraging grandfather, and a loving husband and best friend to Kitty. He was truly a gift from God—to his mother and siblings, to Kitty and her parents, to his children and grandchildren, and to all who had the blessing of knowing him. He will be greatly missed on this earth—but we rejoice that he has been gladly welcomed into Heaven by his Savior and by those he loved who have gone on before him in faith.

On behalf of the family, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all who have shown love and support during this time of grief and loss.

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 26 at Lebanon Community Fellowship with Pastor Justin Honaker and Rev. Todd Jones officiating. The visitation will be held from 5-7pm and the funeral beginning at 7pm. Graveside services will be 11 am Wednesday, August 27 at Ketron Memorial Gardens; those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 am to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jake Jones, Cooper Cox, Brody Cox, Luke Garrett, Michael Belcher, Zack Ketron, Ty Whittaker, Ernie Keen, and Brock Keen. Honorary Pallbearers will be Juli Belcher, Joie Whittaker, Jill Jones, Molly Cox, and Julie Jones.

Flowers are welcomed or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the LCF Building Fund and the Russell County Isaiah 117 House.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family on our website at www.chfunerals.com or the funeral home Facebook pages. Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Services, 291 Highway 71, Lebanon, Virginia 24266, 276-889-4444