Livingston Funeral Home - Darrell Marshall Parris

Funeral Services for Mr. Darrell Marshall Parris, age 68, of Hermitage, Tennessee and formerly of Pickett County, Tennessee will be conducted 1 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024, from the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home.  Bro. Steven Barlow will officiate.  Burial to follow in the Cope Cemetery.  The family will welcome friends on Thursday morning, from 11 a.m. until time of services.

Darrell Marshall Parris, passed away on April 2, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born on January 19, 1956, to Natalie Vaughn Parris and the late Walter Marshall Parris, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and grew up in the Boom community of Monroe, Tennessee; he was a member of the Midway Christian Church.

Darrell is survived by his beloved mother, Natalie Vaughn Parris; his sister, Tammie Parris Woodward-Smith (Ronnie F); his two daughters, Cindy Parris Wright (Scott) and Denise (Dea) Parris Tampke (Walter); his five grandchildren, Kayla Henley Lee (Marshall), Ethan Henley, Natalie Tampke, Paris Tampke, and Landen Wright; his two great-grandchildren, Aria Lee and Emmett Lee; as well as his fiancée, Kathy C. Harper of Hermitage, Tennessee, and her daughter, Mary Harper Ayre and husband Andy of Lebanon, TN, and her children, Phoenix and Cadence. Darrell also leaves behind the mother of his children, Rita Hensley Allen, nieces, a nephew, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Marshall Parris, and his wife, Rachel Wilber Parris, brother-in-laws Ronald David Parsons and Charlie L. Woodard

When Darrell was just 18 years old, he assumed the responsibility of manager at Shoney's restaurant. His commitment to excellence led to opportunities for advancement, including a significant role in opening and managing a new Shoney's location in Nashville, where he dedicated five years of his life. Following his time with Shoney's, Darrell embarked on a 25-year journey with IKG Steel Mill, during which time he rose to prominence, serving as President of the United Steelworkers, Local 5887, a testament to his leadership skills and dedication to the well-being of his fellow workers. Following the closure of IKG, Darrell transitioned to state employment with the State of Tennessee, where he served as a locksmith at the State Capitol. Later, he transferred to Tennessee State University, where he continued his locksmith career for 16 years until his retirement in April of 2023.

Darrell was known for his love of reading and animals, his pursuit of martial arts,  his appreciation for dining, and his lifelong dedication to physical fitness. His commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle was an inspiration to those around him. Darrell will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cope Cemetery Fund in memory of Darrell Marshall Parris. Speck Funeral Home will be accepting all donations and will forward all funds to Cope Cemetery.

The pallbearers selected to honor Darrell's memory are his brother-in-law, Ronnie F. Smith, his son-n-law, Scott Wright, his grandson, Landen Wright, great nephew Chad Hicks Jr, his cousin, Ralph Parris Jr., and his childhood friend, Donnie Garrett. Honorary pallbearers are Darrell’s Tennessee State University coworkers Jimmie Hodges, Dan Middleton and Carson Wolfe. Their camaraderie and support enriched Darrell's life in countless ways, and their inclusion as honorary pallbearers is a tribute to the enduring friendships he cultivated.

Darrell will be remembered for his kindness, his strength of character, and the love he shared with those closest to him. His legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. May he rest in peace, in the eternal embrace of the Lord.

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