George Edwin Parris, Jr. of Delmar passed away at his home on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Sept. 26, 1941 in Chester, Pa., a son of the late George Edwin Parris, Sr. and Mary Virginia (Campbell) Parris. George graduated from Henry C. Conrad High School with the class of 1959 before spending several years at the University of Delaware.
His career in farming started at Spring Lea Farm in Kennett Square, Pa. where he worked as a manager. After changes at the farm forced him to leave, he spent several years managing Bupplyn Farms in Loganville, followed by years of management at several Southern States locations. Until retirement, he worked as a sales representative for Purina for Bryan & Brittingham in Delmar. George got his first pony at age four which led to a lifetime of love for horses. His love for horses led him to helping people pleasure drive and prepare for shows. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his produce with others. George had been a member and officer of the Delmarva Driving Club and the Delaware Equine Council. He had also been an officer and active member of the Twinkle Club Dance group, and very much enjoyed dancing and listening to live music.
Family was important to George, and he will be remembered for his annual trips to Lewes Beach, enjoying time with grandchildren and never met an ice cream cone he didn’t like. He also loved sharing his favorite Delmar Pizza with his children and grandchildren when they would visit.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, who was his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth A. M. Parris; daughters, Susan P. Lee and husband Peter of Shippensburg, Pa., and Joanne P. Santivasci and husband David of Springfield, Pa.; grandchildren, Erin Lee, Megan Lee, Nicholas Santivasci, Zachary Santivasci and Emma Santivasci; nephews, Michael Joseph Hare, Patrick Thomas Hare and wife Bernardine, and Will Mitchell and wife Marlene; and a niece, Christine Williams.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joan P. Hare.
A visitation for family and friends was held on Wednesday, March 2 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Delmar, where family and friends may call one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Phyllis Walton will officiate. Interment will be held on Friday, March 4 at 10 a.m. at Lower Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Delaware Equine Council Scholarship Fund, c/o Ken Horeis, 3822 Fox Hunters Road, Harrington, DE 19952 or to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 101 E. State Street, Delmar, DE 19940.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.