Sam Houston Parris, age 94, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2021.

Born November 28,1927 in Copperhill, Tennessee, Sam grew up on Galloway Road in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

The second of seven children, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Jane (Hattaway) Parris; parents, Avery Johnson and Jessie Mae (Hickey) Parris; brothers, Avery James Jr., Phillip Douglas and Johnny Nathaniel (Mildred); sisters, JoAnne (Orville) Opp and Jacqueline McLaughlin; nephews David Opp and Timothy McLaughlin.

Sam was drafted into the Army towards the end of WWII serving as a repairman for communications and crypto equipment. During his career in the Army, he received the WW II Victory Medal and campaign ribbons for Asian-Pacific Campaign, American Occupation in Korea and the American Campaign Medal along with numerous other awards.

Sam graduated with a B.S. in Physics at North Georgia College in 1951 (now the University of North Georgia).  Sam's education also focused on Biology and Chemistry and worked for a brief time at the Tennessee Copper Company in Ducktown, Tenn. as a survey engineer. As part of North Georgia College's ROTC program, Sam was commissioned into the Infantry in 1952 and began his military officer training at Ft. Benning, Ga.

Sam continued his education making use of his GI Bill by attending Emory University (School of Dentistry) receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1958. He continued to serve his country traveling with his family as an Army Dentist until 1975 attaining the rank of Colonel.

Upon retirement, (Colonel-Doctor) Sam H. Parris would become Professor Parris at the University of Texas – Medical Science Center – School of Dentistry. He retired in 1988 as the Chief of Oral Diagnosis and was awarded the title Professor Emeritus. .

Sam had a love for classical music but also enjoyed bluegrass and classic country music. He had a passion for making classical guitars and was an excellent musician playing everything from the guitar, mandolin to piano in his early years. He was also a jokester and was a wonderful storyteller.

Because of the times he grew up in – during the depression and WWII era, he had to learn many trades. He was a carpenter, an electrician, (but not a plumber), a mechanic and an engineer. He helped his father build their original homestead on Galloway Road.  He was always willing to take time teaching his children "how to" at a moment's notice.

Despite all his career successes, his greatest achievement and prized possession was his family.  Beginning with the love of his life Jane, and their marriage that lasted for 63 years before her passing in 2017.

Papa left to cherish his memory, many loving survivors, including children, Teresa (Michael "his best buddy") Poulos of Houston, TX,  Philip Parris of Austin, TX, Samuel (Denise) Parris of Fredericksburg, VA, and John (Michele) Parris of Odessa, FL; grandchildren, Bill (Laura), Jennifer and Cicely Parris, Michael Poulos, Melissa (Jeremy (McDaniel), Nicole Poulos, Carley, Sonny and Elizabeth Swetz; great-grandchildren, Guillermo Chapa-Poulos, Sadie Menard, Bryan Poulos, Lilian McDaniel, John Poulos, Leilani and Kalilah and brother Ben Parris of  Cartersville, GA as well as many dearly loved nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Visitation:  Thursday, January 20, 2022; at 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Klein Funeral Home - Champions   16131 Champion Forest Dr., Klein, Texas 77379

Funeral Service: Friday, January 21, 2022; 10:00 AM; Klein Funeral Home

Burial: 1:00pm. Friday, January 21, 2022; 1:00 PM; Houston National Cemetery; 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038