W. Parris

William Ansel Parris passed away at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home on Thursday, September 24, 2021, at the age of 75. Born in Spartanburg, SC, he was the son of the late Christopher Leo Parris and Ruby Cooper Parris, and stepfather, Ansel Baughcome.

Ansel was a graduate of Roebuck High School and Spartanburg Technical College. He worked at Altman Printing Company in accounting and sales until his retirement. Ansel also delivered The Spartanburg Herald-Journal newspaper and worked in the mail room occasionally.

Mr. Parris was a 33rd degree Mason, Past Master of St. John’s Lodge 333, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District, and Grand Marshall of the Grand Lodge of SC. Ansel served in many other positions and benefitted Masonry throughout the state of SC. He was also a member of the Sertoma Club where he held several offices. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church.

Before his health begin to decline, he played golf, tennis, ping pong and was an avid bowler. He particularly enjoyed playing golf in tournaments with his brother and friends in West Virginia. He also enjoyed attending state and national Masonic and Sertoma meetings.

He is survived by his brother, W. Delma Parris of Lost Creek WV, his niece, Ann Altman of Poplar Bluff, MO; three nephews, Lee Altman of Spartanburg, SC, Donald Parris of Charlotte, NC, and Tyler Parris of Bellevue, WA., two great nieces and three great nephews. He was also predeceased by his sister, Francis Altman and her husband, Barney Altman.

Visitation will be 9:30 – 10:30 AM Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. A Memorial service to celebrate Ansel’s life will be at 11:00 AM at the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RiteCare Foundation (Scottish Rite Childhood Language Program), P.O. Box 5851, Spartanburg, SC 29304-5851.

Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel