Noel Fitzorman Parris Jr.

Noel Fitzorman Parris, Jr. was born in Boston, MA on September 10, 1930 to Noel Fitzorman, Sr. and Edith (Clarke) Parris. He was the second child and first son of six children. Noel grew up in Cambridge, MA where he attended the Houghton Grammar School and Rindge Technical High School. He was involved in sports, playing basketball for Rindge, as well as a community team, the Condors, who played at the Cambridge Community Center. As a teenager, Noel worked part-time at a local shoe repair shop. After graduation from Rindge, he furthered his education and began a career as a barber, working beside his father at the Parris Barber Shop on Western Avenue in Cambridge. The Parris family moved to Dorchester in 1951. Noel was drafted by the United States Armed Services in his early adulthood. He attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) and earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Following an honorable discharge, Noel matriculated to Massachusetts College of Pharmacy (MCP) where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and became a pharmacist. He joined a fraternity and broadened his connections with like-minded 'brothers.' Later, because of his contributions in the pharmaceutical field in the U.S and abroad, MCP honored Noel with a Master of Science degree. The pharmaceutical profession was instrumental in connecting Noel with Cynthia (Johnson) O'Bryant, also a pharmacist at that time, whom he married in March 1959. They parented four children: Norman, Noelle, Merle and Kristin, who followed their parents in successful contributions professionally and in human services. The family relocated from time to time, always seeking the best opportunities, education and experiences for themselves. They lived in various states in the U.S., as well as in the West Indies. Although Noel was affectionately called Orman by his family, he was nicknamed 'Pete' by his community of friends in Cambridge. This nickname endured throughout his life with those who grew up with him. Later in life, the use of Noel, Orman or Pete was a clear sign of when an individual entered his life. The knowledge and experiences he gained through travel opened doors for entrepreneurial ventures in which he was also able to use his interests, talents and skills to help others. As Noel's children married, he and Cynthia became grandparents of six children, Lamin, twins Kyle and Jonathan Wharton, Parris Nathan, Cynthia Nathan, and Asha Davis. Noel and Cynthia moved to Jacksonville, FL, where they lived until Cynthia's passing in October 2012. Soon after, Noel transitioned to South Carolina to live with his eldest daughter, Noelle Parris. He developed a wide friendship base throughout his life and contributed in every way he could to the lives of others. Even through family illnesses in recent years, Noel remained in service to people. During the last year of his life, he volunteered at a charter school, mentored a restauranteur, comforted and encouraged the hurt and needy, and freely shared his wisdom. Noel exemplified the positive characteristics of a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. He never forgot his roots, neither family nor community, and made a great impact on others. Noel, Orman, Pete is gone, but not forgotten. We will always love you.

Reception:
Calvary Episcopal Church
106 Line Street
Charleston, SC
29403