Mr. Keith Edward Parris

PARRIS, Mr. Keith Edward - Age 64, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Corewell Health Blodgett, Grand Rapids, MI. Family hour 10:00 AM Monday, March 10, 2025 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the chapel 10:00 AM Monday. Mr. Parris will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrnece E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday.Keith Edward Parris (affectionately called “Sug Edward” by his Aunt Dorothy) was born on September 10, 1960, in Detroit, MI, to Frances (Parris) Cleaves and Clifford Parris. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and deeply valued his spiritual relationship with God. Keith attended Flint Public Schools and graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1978. A natural athlete, he excelled in basketball, football, and wrestling – even earning the title of State Champion in 1978 during his time at Flint Northern. His dedication and talent led to his induction into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. A true sports enthusiast, Keith carried his love for athletics throughout his life. In June 1981, Keith enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country. He was Honorably Discharged in 1984 and remained committed to lifelong learning, earning several certifications throughout his career. Keith’s faith was evident in his love for family and community. A dedicated servant, he generously gave his time to volunteering, often helping at homeless shelters and rescue missions. He was actively involved in the Veterans Association and Hero’s Corner, always seeking ways to uplift and support others. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, many compared him to Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. As a child, he would put on concerts for his family, cousins, and friends bringing joy to those around him. He cherished time with family and found happiness in their company. Keith had a gift for organization and an innate ability to improve everything he touched. He left a lasting impact on those who knew him, not just through his actions, but through the kindness and dedication he showed every day. Keith Edward Parris leaves to celebrate his life: siblings, Monique Cleaves-Byrd, Ali (Naseera) Cleaves, Mateen (Chanda) Cleaves, Shelby Pope, all of Flint, Kathy Parris of Dearborn Heights, MI, Venetia McDaniel of Laurel, MD, and Clifford Parris of Boston, MA; aunts, Dorothy Barrett and Charlene Taylor, both of Detroit, MI, Anita Smylor and Claire McClinton, both of Flint, and Tommie Jean Thomas of Houston, TX; uncles, George Cleaves of Flint, and Richard Taylor of Detroit, MI; brother-in-law, Sean Byrd; nephews, Antonio Cleaves, Jalen Lewis, Ali and Khali Cleaves, Rahmad Dent, Sean Byrd Jr., Mateen Cleaves Jr., Nasir and Amir Cleaves; niece, Keera Byrd; sister-cousins, Donele Wilkins, Rolinda Barrett, Tracey (Markus) Irving, Kimberly (Walter) Chappell, and Deanna (Todd) Moss; cousins, Robert and Carlos Boaz, Autumn (Stut) Dailey, Christine and Tracy Murphy, Tonya Barrett, Char Pippins, Debbie Johnson, Malinda Wilson, and Rod Moore; special sister, Tonya Norris; honorary sons, Jonathan Mangles and Joey Montana; honorary grandchildren, Mackenzie and Grayson Mangles, Kaiden and Ava Montano; special friends, Sandy Mangles, Natalie “Pooh” Johnson, the Johnson family, Anthony Bowling, Cynthia Baskins, Carl Stevens, Craig (Monte) Johnson, Rayford Stevens and a host of other family, friends and relatives. Keith was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Cleaves; fathers, Clifford Parris and Herbert Cleaves; grandparents, Betty and Roscoe Livingston, Gladys (Ben) Thomas; brothers, Herbert “Sluggo” Cleaves Jr., Ryan Parris and Michael Hister; sister, Robin Parris; aunts, Willie Parris and Claudette Pippins; cousins, Tony Barrett, Tony Smylor and Jackie Pippins; and special mother, Eldorado Johnson.A thank you is extended to The Veterans Association, Hero’s Corner, and Acts of Gospel Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Mr. Keith Edward Parris

September 10, 1960 - February 20, 2025