Henry Oliver Paris

Paris, Henry Oliver, 75, passed away April 26, 2023, at home in Cartersville, Virginia. He was born on November 27, 1947, to the late Oliver and Mildred Paris in Jersey City, New Jersey. 

Henry is survived by his wife of 53 years Lois Paris; their children Melissa Newman (Doug), Jonathan Paris (Sarah), and Benjamin Paris (Charlotte); and the very proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren: Elizabeth Newman, Jordan Newman, Isabella Paris, Stevie Paris, Charlie Paris, Mary Augusta Paris, Nathan Paris, and Susannah Paris. He is also survived by brothers Gordon, Wayne, Kenneth, Gary, Randy, and sister Leslie. And was preceded in death by sister Lynne.

A 1969 graduate of Rutgers University Cook College of Agriculture, Henry was a lifelong farmer, raising veal calves and sheep on his farm in Cartersville. After retiring from full-time farming, Henry found a second career, becoming a middle school agriculture teacher at Powhatan Junior High School and passed along his love of farming and the FFA to the next generation. Henry gave back to the farming community he loved, serving on the Board for the Cumberland County Farm Bureau, volunteering with the Buckingham County FFA, and working with his grandchildren on their many FFA and lamb projects. Henry was a proud recipient of the Honorary American FFA Degree and an avid sports fan. But above all, Henry loved spending time with family-his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.  

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 30 from 3-5 pm at Bennett & Barden Funeral Home at 3215 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139. The funeral service will take place on Monday, May 1 at 11 am at Oakwood United Methodist Church at 1291 Columbia Road, Columbia, VA 23038. A graveside service will follow at the Cartersville Community Cemetery on Cartersville Road, Cartersville, VA 23027.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Henry Paris to the Virginia FFA Foundation, PO Box 40, Weyers Cave, VA 24486 or via the link Donation Form (donorperfect.net) selecting Henry Paris as the tribute.