About This Memory Space
This page was created for Charles E. Parris's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Charles E. Parris's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Charles E. Parris. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Charles E. Parris crafted a life rich with family bonds, steadfast dedication, and a playful wit that lit up his final decades, leaving an indelible mark on Indianapolis through his passions and unwavering generosity.
Born and raised in the heart of Indianapolis, Charles built a foundation of joy from simple pleasures like casting a line while fishing or pitching a tent under the stars. His enthusiasm for local sports pulsed strongly—he cheered relentlessly for the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts, never missed a stock car race, and savored every visit to the Indiana State Fair. A man of profound kindness and tireless effort, Charles's humor sharpened delightfully with age, turning ordinary moments into cherished tales shared among those he held dear.
Charles devoted the final three decades of his working life to Ford Motor Company, where he excelled as a production plater until his retirement in 1994. His strong work ethic exemplified reliability and skill, contributing steadily to the automotive legacy while balancing his commitments with personal pursuits.
Photos of Life
Family & Loved Ones
Cherished gatherings revolved around Charles's unwavering commitment to his loved ones, from his children—Virginia Allmond, Charles Parris Jr., Mary Beatty (Ken), Donna Vawter (John), Terry Jackson (Kelly), John Parris (Lisa), and Louise Parris (Billy Marratta)—to his 16 grandchildren, countless great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren. Married to Gelliah Hargis for 60 fulfilling years until her passing in 2023, he infused their home with generosity and laughter, always prioritizing time with the next generations despite earlier losses including grandchildren Krista Dardy (Allmond), Josh Powell, and great-grandchild Savannah Vawter, as well as his parents Everett and Virginia.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Echoes from the community capture Charles as a beacon of humor and heart, with shared stories underscoring his infectious laugh, boundless giving, and the way he wove family traditions into everyday magic.
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